IF I Were A Bear

Written by Shelley Gill

Illustrated by Erik Brooks

This is an interesting little board book. All the different types of bears look very friendly, almost as if they could be your pet. The content is written in rhyme, based on some facts about them. It is probably enjoyable for children 2-4 years old.

A Salmon for Simon

Written by Betty Waterton

Illustrated by Ann Blades

This story is set in a little sea town on the western shore of Canada. It’s about a young boy who finds himself in an uncomfortable position, where he has to choose between his desire to catch a salmon or to save the life of this amazing animal. The illustrations are gorgeous and the text is smooth, engaging, and full of interesting things about the salmon and the sea life. Children 5 to 8 years old will enjoy the story and would love to engage in thinking and talking about why Simon decided to help the salmon back to the sea.

Backyard Birding for Kids: A Field Guide & Activities

Written & Illustrated by Fran Lee

This is a great little paperback book for grownups and children to read and do activities together. It includes all different environments: urban; suburban; rural; sea shores; mountains; prairies; warm; temperate; or cold. There’s lots of good information for children about birds and their habitats, as well as activities that children can do to attract birds, to understand birds, and to appreciate and support bird life.

With the help of adults, children from 5-9 years old could become engaged in learning about these wonderful animals.

Meeting Natives with Lewis and Clark

Written by Barbara Fifer

I can remember as a late elementary/ early middle school child being fascinated by Native Americans: their lives, homes, food, music, beliefs, etc. This book reminds me of the kinds of books I devoured back then. Barbara Fifer seems to have done her homework on this one. The photos and illustrations are documented. Quotations are from the Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

She introduces each tribe of native Americans as Lewis and Clark traveled for three long years across what is now the USA. I would recommend this book as a resource for Upper Elementary as well as Middle School classrooms as Book they study our country’s history. I would also encourage parents and caregivers to add this book to their home library. It can be purchased online.

Teaching Montessori Science: 9 Practical Strategies to Engage Children in Hands-on STEAM Activities

Written by Jackie Grundberg

Wow! What an amazing tool for teachers, parents, and caregivers alike. The author has put together a combination of learning experiences designed with adults and elementary children in mind for school or home. The book is well illustrated, the content is backed up by current research, and the principles are Montessori-based. There couldn’t be a better combination.

Even if you only read the first chapter (which I am not suggesting), “The Benefits of Hands-on, Interactive Science Lessons,” you will gain a better understanding of the purpose of the book and will already have multiple examples of (and instructions for) science activities to do with children. However, I would not recommend that because you will be missing out on all the rest of the other great lessons in this book. You will definitely want to add this book to your teachers’ resources at schools or in your home resource center for homeschoolers.

You can purchase this book at www. backpacksciences.com or other online bookstores.

The Camping Trip

Written by Jennifer K. Mann

Ernestine was so lucky to be invited to go on her first-ever camping trip with her Aunt Jackie and cousin Samantha. Her dad helped get all the things on Aunt Jackie’s list. They even made trail mix granola together.

As they drove out of the city, Ernestine hoped her dad wouldn’t miss her too much. They had lots of adventures with swimming, hiking, sleeping in a tent, food — nothing was like what she was used to at home. The illustrations are terrific — sort of like pages from a comic book. Turns out, Ernestine loved her trip even though she was a bit reticent at first. When she arrived home her dad gave her a big hug. She thinks that he missed her. It ends with her and her dad walking away and Ernestine asking him, “Have you ever tried s’mores?”

Wonderful book about trying new things even though they may be different from what we’re used to and having a great time! I suggest that children 5-9 years old would love this book.

We would love to publish reviews of your favorite books. Send book reviews to Lorna at: lornamcgrath@montessori.org