Rare and Blue

August 1, 2020
An introduction to eight blue and very rare wildlife species. This highly unusual field guide for kids focuses on the "blueness" as well as the ecological rarity of each featured species. Karner blue butterflies are "silvery blue"; mating male Quitobaquito pupfish turn "iridescent blue"; eastern indigo snakes have "midnight blue" scales; blue whales appear "turquoise blue" underwater; male cerulean warblers boast "electric blue" feathers; an occasional lobster trapped in North Atlantic coastal waters is "sapphire blue;" the coats of some Alaskan black bears look "pearly blue"; and the big bluestem prairie grass formerly covering much of central North America manifests as "steely blue." In terms of rarity, the text mentions ecological factors causing Karner blue butterflies, Quitobaquito pupfish, eastern indigo snakes, blue whales, and big bluestem prairie grass to be officially listed as endangered while cerulean warblers are considered a "species of concern." In contrast, blue lobsters and blue black bears are "naturally rare" rather than threatened. Delicate, realistic illustrations steal this show with splendid double-page paintings of the natural habitats and close-up portraits of each species discussed. Arresting perspectives add interest while use of a full-spectrum blue palette appropriately reinforces the blue theme, including endpapers featuring each subject washed in blue. Additional facts on each species, a glossary of terms, categories of species, and a selected bibliography flesh out the text for further study or discussion. A visually appealing, informative peek at some of nature's rare treasures, with a strong ecological subtext. (Informational picture book. 5-8)

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July 24, 2020

Gr 3-5-The color blue can be found all throughout nature, including birds, lobsters, prairie grass, and the Earth itself. This picture book examines familiar creatures and their many shades of blue. The narrative takes readers on a journey, starting with a field of Karner blue butterflies and ending in space with an aerial view of Earth. Each spread uses simple prose and spotlights a new animal or aspect of nature. A paragraph of text provides facts, such as an animal's scientific name, details about its habitat, or its classification as an endangered species in the wild. The artwork complements the text well, adding detail to the animals, wildlife, and outdoor settings as if readers were looking at realistic scenes recreated from photographs. The humans that are depicted throughout are mostly seen from a distance but are both white and non-white. The back matter includes categories of species, a glossary, additional facts, and a selected bibliography. VERDICT Filled with dreamy watercolor images of nature and bite-sized information to encourage thoughtful reflection, this title is a solid purchase for elementary nonfiction collections, especially where nature and life science texts are popular.-Molly Dettmann, Norman North H.S., OK

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