How a Soccer Ball is Made by Angela Royston October 31, 2009
Posted by jcarlson in : Nonfiction , 1 comment so farIf you’re interested in knowing the basics of how a soccer ball is made, this short book provides 
you with that information. It’s part of the How Are Things Made Series which also includes how a bicycle, a book, chocolate, and a pencil are made.
The author describes the step-by-step process beginning with the production of the materials. Making the panels for the outer casing, putting the ball together, and adding a valve follow. It’s amazing all the work that is involved in making a soccer ball. The book has wonderful photographs which help the reader picture the process.
Check out the nonfiction books in the library! There’s a lot to be learned!
~Mrs. Carlson~
Eyewitness Books Series February 13, 2009
Posted by jcarlson in : Nonfiction , 1 comment so far
Are you a reader who prefers non-fiction? Do you like to learn a lot about a specific topic? Have you seen any of the 26 (yes, that’s twenty-six) EYEWITNESS BOOKS in our library?
The Eyewitness series includes many books on specific types of animals, such as reptiles, mammals, and fish. Each book is jam-packed with information, photographs, and interesting details. There are also Eyewitness books about fascinating groups, including poisonous animals, armored animals, and animal disguises.
You can become an expert on the book’s topic if you read every word. Or just look at the many photographs and enjoy learning a little. Either way, you are an EYEWITNESS to knowledge.
~Mrs. Gaston~
MATH-terpieces: The Art of Problem-Solving by Greg Tang January 10, 2009
Posted by jcarlson in : Nonfiction , 3comments
Greg Tang has written quite a few picture books about math. This one is my favorite. It combines clever poems, pattern math, and famous works of art. MATH-terpieces … MASTERPIECES … get it? The illustrator, Greg Paprocki, uses objects from famous paintings to set up math patterns. Here’s an example: For “Starry Night” by van Gogh, Greg Tang writes:
See the nighttime all aglow?
It’s the vision of van Gogh!
Bright exploding, swirling stars,
cosmic forces from afar.
Can you group the stars in heaven?
Find four ways to make a 7!
Although the math is pretty easy, the use of art and poetry makes this a very enjoyable book for all ages. Look for other terrific math books, for all ages, in the 500’s section of the library.
~Mrs. Gaston~
To visit Greg Tang’s web site, go to http://www.gregtang.com.
The Man Who Walked Between the Towers by Mordicai Gerstein November 7, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Nonfiction , 3comments
In 1974, as the World Trade Center was being completed, a young Frenchman threw a rope between the two towers and performed a quarter of a mile up in the sky. He amazed the spectators below. The Twin Towers are just a memory now. Part of that memory is the day Phillippe Petit walked, danced, and even ran between them.
I first read this book back in 2004 when it was the Caldecott winner. The pictures are dramatic and include two foldout spreads. I found this true story fascinating. After Petit finished his daring performance, he was arrested by the New York City police. You’ll have to read the book to find out his punishment.
~Mrs. Carlson~
Indiana Jones Explores Ancient Egypt by John Malam November 3, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Nonfiction , 11comments
I like this book because ancient Egypt is a fantastic place. If you like Egypt, this is the book for you. You learn about Egyptians, pyramids, and gods. You can tell if someone is a southern or northern king by the crown. If you don’t like Egypt, try the book anyway.
~Andrew, Third Grader~
Truck by Claire Llewellyn November 2, 2008
Posted by jcarlson in : Nonfiction , 4comments
I reviewed Truck by Claire Llewellyn, and I loved it! If you like trucks and construction equipment, you should try this book. I think you will enjoy this book too! You learn about bulldozers, backhoes, loaders, skidders, road builders, pavers, dump trucks and more. Did you know that a bulldozer moves as much soil in three minutes as you could in one day? Did you know the smallest bucket on a backhoe is 6 inches (15 cm) wide which is not big enough to catch a beach ball! Do you know why an articulated truck is called articulated? Because articulated means to bend in the middle. You would use an articulated truck to go around sharp turns.