My Garden by Kevin Henkes (Author, Illustrator)
Reading level: 4-8
Greenwillow Books (February 23, 2010)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Kevin Henkes has made some amazing contributions to the children’s literature with his insightful themes and simple, yet lovely illustrations. And, Henkes is truly an advocate of nature and his books are one big invitation to kids to join him outside to observe birds and get dirty in the garden. Henkes aptly captures the standard childhood garden fantasies of planting atypical items (in this case, seashells) to see if they’ll grow and imagining that carrots might disappear, sunflowers change colors, no weeds and flowers would never die.

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The EARTH Book by Todd Parr
Ages 4-8
Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (March 17, 2010)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Todd Parr has a way of getting positive messages across to kids without being preachy. And, his simple boldly colored drawings, literally jump off the page. The formula works well and this book is another winner in his catalogue of 30 or more books.

The message is easily understood and powerful; if I bring my own bags to the store I am showing my love for trees and making sure owls have a place to live. The book follows along with simple tips that any child can do and what the wonderful result will be. Every one of us can (and should) do all of these things.

My favorite was the gigantic pull-out poster of ten things we can all do, including putting our underwear in the freezer on hot days. Love Todd.

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The Bog Baby by Jeanne Willis (Author)
Gwen Millward (Illustrator)
Ages 4-8
Schwartz & Wade (October 13, 2009)
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Bog babies do exist. They really do. If you’ve never seen one, you probably had a similar experience when you captured that baby toad or frog and thought you could be best friends forever. But toads, frogs and bog babies don’t belong in pickle jars or pockets. This story really sends a fanciful yet practical message about all of the wonderful creatures who hop, run, skip and fly nearby and that’s exactly how it should remain; let the bog babies stay where they belong as we observe their magic.

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Life in the Boreal Forest by Brenda Z. Guiberson
Gennady Spirin (Illustrator)
Ages 9-12
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR) (September 29, 2009)
Cautions: Survival of the fittest scenes

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Sometimes a book literally leaps from the shelf and into your hands and it insists on becoming a part of your home library. The cover alone speaks volumes about the gorgeous illustrations within this book about the Boreal Forest. This lively book is a cautionary tale about our responsibility to take care of our planet and all of its inhabitants.

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The Natural Beauty Book (Klutz) by Anne Akers Johnson
Ages 12+
Klutz - September 1, 2009
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Klutz books are definitely my go-to for kid birthday and holiday gifts. I feel good because they’re getting a book which inspires creativity, but the kids are always pleased to break open the craft supplies and kick it into high gear. The Natural Beauty Book has wonderful recipes for pampering a girl from head to toe, using natural ingredients like apples (the apple mask is amazing) and oatmeal. Can you just picture a bunch of girls taking over your bathroom and kitchen to create a special spa night? Good, clean fun!!

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Big Bear Hug by Nicholas Oldland
Ages 4-8
Kids Can Press - September 1, 2009
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Huge hugging bear coming your way! The illustrations in this book are absolutely priceless; all sorts of animals find themselves wrapped in a huge hairy hug, whether they like it or not (their faces humorously tell of their displeasure). The kind bear just can’t stop hugging. That it, until he meets up with an ax-wielding human. He is just about to eat him but decides to hug him instead. The human runs as fast as he can, and the bear gives the tree a giant hug. This is my new favorite children’s book for its entertainment value, aesthetics and a bit of a green message.

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Reef by Scubazoo
DK ADULT - August 17, 2009

Kiwi Magazine Review:
I am absolutely wild about nature books and have a giant and ever-expanding collection. This one, is, without exception, the most beautiful photographic collection of the beauty of the ocean’s occupants. The whole family will enjoy looking at this collection. Warning: you will definitely see your children leaning toward careers in marine biology.

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Bird: The Definitive Visual Guide by Audubon
DK ADULT - August 3, 2009

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Now, this is what I call a bird-watcher’s dream book. The photographs are colorful and detailed, showing birds in their natural habitat, doing what birds do. The information is so comprehensive and extensive that you could easily pick up this guide and identify that strange bird you took a photo of in Puerto Rico (I cruised through 2 other guide books unsuccessfully, but this guide made it so easy). This book is a must-have for bird and nature enthusiasts.
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Watch Me Grow! By Lauryn Silverhardt
Blue Plants a Seed / Little Green Nickelodeon (Part of Blue’s Clues)
Illustrated by: Karen Craig
Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon, January 2009
Ages 3-6
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Blue goes green! With Miss Marigold and all of her friends, Blue learns that patience pays off when her seed finally sprouts. This book is printed on 100% post-consumer waste recycled paper with soy-ink.

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Save the Tree! Little Green Nickelodeon (Part of Wonder Pets!)
Adapted by: Kermit Frazier / Illustrated by: Little Airplane Productions and Amy Marie Stadelmann
Simon Spotlight/Nickelodeon, January 2009
Ages 3-6
Cautions: None

Kiwi Magazine Review:
Those three Wonder Pets do wonders for all of the animals in the world, so they’re turning their attention to saving a poor little tree. A great message for the wee ones about everyone-der pet being able to make a differnce, even if it’s in a small way. Printed on 100% recycled paper with soy-ink!

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