Category: nature

children, nature, tween

Monkey Magic: The Curse of Mukada

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Grant S. Clark
Publisher: Monsoon Books
Genre: Tween / Adventure
ISBN: 978-981-08-1077-1
Pages: 120
Price: $7.95

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Orangutans of the Mukada Nature Reserve are getting sick and heading to the coast. But what’s causing this unusual phenomenon? Is it overpopulation, as suggested by the park warden? Romy and her scientist father plan a visit to investigate, since something doesn’t feel quite right.

Soon after their arrival, Romy hears of the curse of Mukada – and she also discovers Monkey Magic. This magic helps her to communicate with the orangutans, with surprising results. Armed with new information, she and her father are able to solve the mystery and save the orangutans.

Monkey Magic: The Curse of Mukada also provides facts about orangutans, and how their habitats are being threatened by human encroachment. This delightful, magical tale shows us how greed can harm wildlife, and why we need to take immediate action to try to stop it. I highly recommend this enjoyable story with a great environmental message.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, nature

The Greenzys

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Danielle Mentzer
Illustrator: Cris De Lara
Publisher: DK Publishing
Genre: Children / Nature
ISBN: 978-0-7566-6911-9
Pages: 44
Price: $17.99

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An old pine tree named Orinda is suffering from the pollution of the nearby river. Her only hope of a legacy is her last pine cone. But Grimy has stolen it. In a last tearful effort, Orinda reaches out her branches to the animals of the planet for help.

Coming from all over the world, the animals rush in to save her. And as they commit to stopping Grimy and his dirty habits, their fur becomes green. They’ve become the Greenzys. Grimy is the symbol of all those who choose to pollute the environment, through negligent trash disposal and failure to recycle. And the Greenzys are the hope for Earth’s future.

In The Greenzys, kids will see why it’s important to protect our environment from those who want to do it harm. This cute story shows us how to be environmentally conscious in a way kids can relate, and the beautiful illustrations by Cris De Lara enhance this green message.

The book is printed in an eco-friendly manner, and a portion of the proceeds from book sales benefits the Environmental Media Association. And in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Earth Day, for every Greenzys book purchase made between April 5 and December 31, 2010, the Arbor Day Foundation will plant one tree in our nation’s forests.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

health, nature, spirituality

How to Thrive in Changing Times

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Sandra Ingerman
Publisher: Weiser Books
Genre: Spirituality / Nature / Health
ISBN: 978-1-57863-466-8
Pages: 176
Price: $12.95

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As our world changes at an ever more rapid pace, thriving sometimes feels like an insurmountable challenge. Sandra Ingerman believes it’s a lot easier than we think, but first we need to know what to do, both as individuals and as a community.

Spiritual masters over the years have taught that our thoughts determine our lives. Now we also know that these thoughts can even affect the environment around us. And if we can get together as a group, these healing thoughts are even more powerful.

How do we do this? Ingerman provides rituals and exercises designed to bring about positive changes in our lives and in the world. These can be done alone or in a group setting.

How to Thrive in Changing Times reminds us that we have the ability to do so much more than we believe. We may be the limiting force in our lives, but we can change our thoughts and the outcomes of those thoughts. And in changing ourselves, we can help to change the world.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

nature

Day & Night in the Swamp

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Gerard Cheshire
Illustrator: Martin Camm
Publisher: Hammond
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 978-0843-709742
Pages:38
Price: $14.99

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The swamp is a magical and mysterious place, both by day and by night. Day & Night in the Swamp shows us the different kinds of swamp areas and the animals that live there.

This beautifully illustrated book includes a four-page spread for both the daytime and nighttime scenes. Then, following the spreads, the high ground, marshland, open water and swamp edge are shown in detail, along with the animals that live in that habitat.

Each area of the swamp is explained in greater detail, and a paragraph for each animal describes a little about his activities in the daytime or at night. Eating habits, nesting behavior, and the ability to camouflage themselves and blend into their surroundings are some of the topics covered.

While this is not a comprehensive guide to swamp life, Day & Night in the Swamp is so beautifully illustrated that it will join our bird and wildlife books as a reference. Anyone who loves nature and wildlife will enjoy this book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

nature

Day & Night in the Forest

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Susan & Peter Barrett
Illustrator: Peter Barrett
Publisher: Hammond World Atlas
Genre: Nature
ISBN: 978-0843-709438
Pages: 38
Price: $14.99

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The forest is a magical and mysterious place, both by day and by night. Day & Night in the Forest shows us the different kinds of forests and the animals that live there.

This beautifully illustrated book includes a four-page spread for both the daytime and nighttime scenes. Then, following the spreads, the conifer forest, dense forest, mixed forest and forest edge are shown in detail, along with the animals that live in that habitat.

Each forest type is explained in greater detail, and a paragraph for each animal describes a little about his activities in the daytime or at night. Eating habits, nesting behavior, and the ability to camouflage themselves and blend into their surroundings are some of the topics covered.

While this is not a comprehensive guide to forest life, Day & Night in the Forest is so beautifully illustrated that it will join our bird and wildlife books as a reference. Anyone who loves nature and forest animals will enjoy this book.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, nature

SOIL: More Than Just Dirt

Bergers Book Reviews

soil
Author: Jerry Wermund
Publisher: Rockon Publishing
Genre: Children / Science
ISBN: 978-09726255-3-1
Pages: 48
Price: $18.95

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Most of us give very little thought to the ground we walk on. When we plant our garden, the soil is just something we dig. But do you know how soil is formed? Or how many different kinds of soil there are?

Jerry Wermund explains soil formations in this interesting and informative book, written in a poetic style. He also includes many color photos of the various kinds of soil, with explanations of what makes them unique.

Although the author intends this book for elementary and middle school children, some of the vocabulary is too difficult for a younger child to understand. Many of the terms are defined, but adult explanations may also be necessary.

SOIL: More Than Just Dirt is an excellent resource for the budding environmentalist.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, nature

Sharks

Bergers Book Reviews

sharks
Author: Martin Kasso
Illustrator: Matthew Jeffirs
Publisher: Intervisual Books Inc.
Genre: Children / Science
ISBN: 978-158117-797-8
Pages: 24
Price: $19.95

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Sharks are probably the most feared ocean creatures, but how much do we really know about these magnificent beings? What triggers a shark attack? Are all sharks dangerous?

Sharks attempts to dispel some of the myths we have about sharks, while sharing some interesting facts. Pop-up and other interactive pages enhance the learning experience for kids. Pictures and descriptions of the many different kinds of sharks are also provided.

It’s natural for humans to fear these awesome creatures, but we also need to remember they have their place in nature and serve an important function. The author reminds us that many sharks are endangered, and that conservation efforts are now in place.

Well-written, informative and kid-friendly, Sharks is a great classroom or library resource on these ocean-dwellers. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

children, nature

Youngen Finds Her Song

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Maria J. Andrade
Publisher: Clara Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0970634740
Pages: 108
Price: $19.95

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A young thrush named Youngen is having trouble finding her song. As she spends time with her friends who have beautiful feathers and nicer nests than her own, she starts to doubt herself and her parents. Rufus, a wise old owl, notices her discomfort and decides to take her on a journey to learn about the world.

As she travels with Rufus, she learns many things about the animals in the forest and about Humans – those strange animals that make war with each other, but also build magnificent cities. And she learns that Humans can also be loving and compassionate, when she finds her own life in danger. As Youngen learns about herself and the world around her, she spontaneously bursts into song – her own unique and very beautiful song.

Author Maria J. Andrade has written a sweet novel of a young bird coming of age. She shares tidbits of wisdom about animal life and their habits along the way, to educate while telling her story. Respect for the earth and all animal and plant life is demonstrated through Youngen’s words and actions. An uplifting book with a positive message, Youngen Finds Her Song is a delight to read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

nature

The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Sally Roth
Genre: Nature/Outdoors
Publisher: Rodale Inc.
ISBN: 1-59486-602-3
Pages: 336
Price: $19.95

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“When you identify birds by name, they feel like friends.

That is Sally Roth’s assertion, noted on the back of her very pleasant book, The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide. If you are accustomed to the usual suspects utilized for bird identification, such as the Peterson’s guide or Sibley’s, Roth’s work will give you a refreshing, simple alternative. And if you’re a novice birder, it’s just what you need.

Roth begins by describing a bit of bird-watching history along with personal reasons on how and why one should pursue such an activity. She writes with a casual, light-hearted style that makes it seem like you’re reading notes from a familiar acquaintance. The large number of vivid photographs adds additional life to her homespun tales.

The author gets to the heart of solving the avian identification riddle by describing specific geographic regions around the United States detailed with native birds in mind. The information is especially handy for those who enjoy traveling or are just curious about common bird populations around the country.

The book provides easy directions for identifying a variety of well-known species. What are your “First Impressions” of the bird in question? “Details, details,” and “Listen up!” are just a few of the categories one should consider. Roth even tells us what seeds they will eat from birdfeeders and the types of vegetation they prefer. Each page is capped off with a short recollection or insight of the featured bird.

The focus and style of Sally Roth’s field guide make this a valued addition to any bird lover’s collection. It may be slanted to newcomers, but it’s a great way for anyone to become friends with the birds.

Reviewer: Gene Berger

nature

Spirits in the Garden: The Amazing Realm of Secret Life Around Us

Bergers Book Reviews


Author: Joan Solomon
Publisher: Grynwild Publishing
Genre: Non-fiction
ISBN: 0-9786166-0-X
Pages: 143
Price: $65.00

Author’s website

Spirits in the Garden is not your ordinary coffee table book of pretty photographs you leave out to impress company. Joan Solomon has compiled a visually exquisite and thoughtful journey into the wonderment of the natural world, most notably the plant kingdom.

Solomon dedicated her work to “the Ineffable that expresses itself in Nature.” Her work is a testament to the “garden” we take for granted in our everyday lives or ever take notice to. Solomon’s book is divided into four chapters filled with award-winning photographs and paintings that bring a multitude of flowers and plants to vibrant life.

The visuals are accompanied by Solomon’s personal insights into the meaning of Nature and the “unique messages” that are out there for us to discover and use to our benefit to enhance our physical and mental well-being. Her chapter on “Using Plant Wisdom to Nourish, Nurture, and Heal” can stand as an informative text in itself.

Spirits in the Garden would be an important addition to anyone’s personal library that has a desire to be closer to nature and learn some of its secrets. This book educates, enlightens and empowers both the mind and soul. An experience everyone should share.

Reviewer: Gene Berger