Are You Living?

May 1, 2009
PreS-KThese books outline basic science concepts on their opening pages and use the tunes of well-known songs to explain them more fully. For example, introductory text and sidebars in "Living" explain that living things move and eat, and the song (to the tune of "Are You Sleeping?") elaborates in lines such as "Is it moving?/Is it moving?/Can it fly?/Gallop by?/Living things need dinner, /Or they get much thinner./So they need/To drink and feed." One line of the song is provided per page, often accompanied by sidebars. A closing "Did You Know?" page provides additional facts, such as the sizes of various types of plants and the amounts some animals eat in "Living". Bold, colorful illustrations depict children from a variety of backgrounds. Adults willing to sing along are required."Ragan O'Malley, Saint Ann's School, Brooklyn, NY"

Copyright 2009 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2009
Preschool-G Part of Salas Science Songs series, this title provides lyrics to the tune of Are You Sleeping? that help young children understand the differences between living and nonliving things. In addition to the lyricswhich list the qualities of living organisms and the needs of plants, animals, and humansthe text also offers fact boxes with more advanced information. Digitally rendered, double-page illustrations feature a multicultural cast of children and are particularly effective in portraying eye-catching nature scenes. This title may be better suited to those looking to inject a little life and creativity into beginning science studies and library programs than a straight read-through. The book closes with a recap of the songs verses, a brief bibliography, a glossary, and for the not-so-musically inclined, a link to an online audio recording of the song, but be forewarned: even one listen may plant the tune in your head for several days to come.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)