Summertime Sleepers

February 15, 2021
Grades K-3 While most kids know about hibernators, few have heard of estivators, animals that experience a prolonged dormant state during the summer. This colorful book introduces a dozen summer sleepers. Each appears on a double-page spread complete with a sentence in large type, a somewhat longer section of text in smaller type, and a notebook-style feature that includes sketches of the animal and indicates its actual size, range location, and scientific name. Representing groups as diverse as insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals, the animals include the tiny mangrove killifish that flips head-over-tail until it lands in a water-filled hollow log, and the versatile yellow-bellied marmot, which outdoes itself by hibernating and estivating. Some animals use burrows abandoned by other creatures, while others make their own nests for estivation. Stewart's lively text offers entertaining factoids while clearly explaining how different animals use estivation to survive in hot, dry places. Brannen's pleasing illustrations, both sketches and watercolor scenes, enable the audience to envision the animals within their habitats. An attractive science book on an uncommon but interesting topic.

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April 1, 2021

K-Gr 3-This picture book provides an appealing survey of a dozen animals that estivate. Brannen's simple, adept illustration on the cover introduces a pleasing pictorial scheme. The brief text highlights different places where animals sleep, including tree crevices, muddy hollows, and empty rodent holes. Ladybugs, fish, butterflies, lizards, and the yellow-bellied marmot are featured. Each spread depicts two views of the resting animal. Gentle watercolor scenes include a small black-and-white page that resembles a guidebook entry, which offers a sketch of the animal, its name, and brief facts. Readers learn that scientists have recently given more attention to the study of estivation. End material offers more details about each animal. Author and illustrator notes, a bibliography, and a substantial list of print and online resources are included. VERDICT A well-crafted and attractive text for animal fans, and a suitable introduction to the scientific concept of estivation.-Margaret Bush, Simmons Coll., Boston

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