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(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Dung Ho.
An Asian girl takes pride in the beauty of her eyes and of her family's heritage. Her eyes, which "kiss in the corners and glow like warm tea," look like her mother's, her grandmother's, and her little sister's. Mama's eyes radiate love; Amah's eyes "are filled with so many stories"; Mei-Mei's eyes look up at her with adoration and hope. The rich, poetic text is brought to life by fantastical illustrations that move seamlessly from cozy home scenes to mythic landscapes, symbols, and creatures--sometimes in the same image.
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Alleanna Harris.
At age six, Patricia Bath (1942–2019) declared: "I want to be a doctor!" Though she faced obstacles because of her gender, race, and socioeconomic status, she succeeded, breaking boundaries in many arenas including becoming the first African American female doctor granted a medical patent. Quotes from Dr. Bath appear throughout, and colorful digital illustrations reflect her curiosity and compassion. Reading list, timeline. Bib.
48 pp.
| Quarto/Seagrass
| December, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-63322-376-9$16.95
(4)
K-3
Twenty double-page spreads cover all things related to eyes: anatomical details, range of sight, color perception, vision correction, medical conditions, optical illusions, and more. The richer content focuses on human eyesight, but there are tidbits on animal eyes. The presentation includes engaging color photos and some hard-to-decipher diagrams. The intriguing if scattered information may spark further research. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
(4)
4-6
Checkerboard Library: Modern Engineering Marvels series.
This book briefly introduces biotechnological advances, from implanting a computer chip into the brain that reads wireless signals to a camera in glasses to help blind people see. The clearly written text contains a short, fascinating overview of the past, present, and future of such technologies, but the layout is boxy and boring, with full-color stock photographs and potentially confusing infographics. Timeline. Glos., ind.
48 pp.
| National
| July, 2016
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4263-2501-4$13.90
|
PaperISBN 978-1-4263-2500-7$3.99
(4)
K-3
National Geographic Readers series.
These level-three biographies for "fluent readers" use relatively simple sentence structure and unadorned writing styles to introduce readers to Supreme Court Justice Sotomayor and medieval Arab scholar and scientist Ibn al-Haytham. With various sidebars, text boxes, and visuals (photographs plus static illustrations in Ibn), the presentation is visually cluttered, but the material is solid. A quiz is appended. Glos., ind. Review covers these National Geographic Readers titles: Sonia Sotomayor and Ibn al-Haytham.
32 pp.
| Holiday
| March, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8234-3558-6$16.95
(3)
K-3
"Most animals need eyes to survive," and their shape, size, color, and more reflect the animal's adaptations. Readers guess which animal belongs to a photographed eye, enlarged to exclude the rest of the creature; information about how that animal (and others) sees and some essential vocabulary (pupil, cornea, lens) facilitates an understanding of eye functions. Streamlined text and colorful photos are suited to young readers.
(4)
4-6
Tech Bytes series.
These two installments in the new-technologies series explore the history of two human assistive technologies: artificial eyes and wearable robotic exoskeletons. Although text-heavy, both books make the information accessible through clear organization, strong writing, and thorough back matter. Limited photographs and bland (if direct) covers do not advertise the fascinating subject matter as well as they might. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Tech Bytes titles: Wearable Robots and Artifical Eyes.
32 pp.
| Roaring Brook/Macaulay
| April, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-62672-212-5$17.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-62672-213-2$7.99 Reissue (2013)
(3)
K-3
How It Works series.
With Sheila Keenan. Macaulay places a discussion of the biology of the eye and the physics of sight in the context of a game of soccer. As a girl uses her eyes to play, concepts including the eye's structure and how light enters the eye and travels through the lens are covered. The illustrations use creative perspectives to showcase the science. This edition appears to be sized a bit larger than the original. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
29 pp.
| Blue Apple
| July, 2014
|
TradeISBN 978-1-60905-470-0$12.99
(3)
K-3
Think About series.
Illustrated by
Emily Bolam.
These animal physiology/human body (animal/human behavior for Smile) hybrids follow a similar pattern. Silly animal questions ("Does a zebra go to the doctor?") and informative answers ("A zebra grazes in the wild") are followed by simple discussions on human health and behavior. Bolam's inviting illustrations make the most of the premise and reflect the texts' informal tone. Prompts for further investigation are appended. Review covers these Think About titles: Does a Hipppo Go to the Doctor?, Does a Seal Smile?, Does a Tiger Go to the Dentist?, and Does an Owl Wear Eyeglasses?.
32 pp.
| ABDO
| January, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-611-4$18.95
(3)
K-3
Super Simple Body series.
Halvorson provides brief, accurate explanations of how human organs work. Clear diagrams, color photographs, and friendly illustrations contribute to an attractive look; open-ended questions lead readers to consider their own bodies and experiences. Clever, accessible hands-on activities using everyday materials aid understanding: simulate vocal cords with a balloon, explore hearing with a tin can phone, and so on. Glos. Review covers these Super Simple Body titles: Inside the Ears, Inside the Eyes, Inside the Heart, and Inside the Lungs.
(3)
K-3
My Readers series.
With Sheila Keenan. Macaulay places a discussion of the biology of the eye and the physics of sight in the context of a game of soccer. As a girl uses her eyes to play, concepts including the eye's structure, how light enters the eye and travels through the lens, and how images are interpreted are covered. The illustrations use creative perspectives to showcase the science. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
48 pp.
| Enslow
| September, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-4273-5$23.93
(3)
4-6
Handy Health Guides series.
This series by a veteran health-writing team offers solid, clearly presented information on uncluttered, easy-to-navigate pages. The accessible texts are ably supported by well-chosen and -captioned photos and diagrams; sidebars feature related facts, activities, and health tips. Volumes focusing on disease discuss characteristics and causes, effective treatments, and prevention. There are six other fall 2013 books in this series. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
32 pp.
| Lerner
| September, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7613-8938-9$25.26
(3)
K-3
Lightning Bolt Books: What Traits Are in Your Genes? series.
These books introduce elements of genetics, including dominant genes and alleles, and explain how genes affect our appearance and a few other quirky traits. The explanations are basic and minimal, but large type and color photos invite young readers. An engaging "Track the Traits" activity is offered at the end of each book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Lightning Bolt Books: What Traits Are in Your Genes? titles: Eye Color, Facial Features, Body Parts, and Hair Traits.
32 pp.
| Lerner
| September, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7613-8940-8$25.26
(4)
K-3
Lightning Bolt Books: What Traits Are in Your Genes? series.
These books introduce genetics and how our genes affect our senses and quirky traits. The explanations are simple in both books, but Vision oversimplifies, implying that only genes cause near- and farsightedness. The large type and full-page color photos are inviting; readers should come away with a basic understanding of the subject. An activity is appended. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these What Traits Are in Your Genes? titles: Vision and Unusual Traits.
24 pp.
| ABDO
| January, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61783-197-3$14.95
(4)
K-3
Sandcastle: All About Your Senses series.
These books for beginning readers offer a few facts about the senses in a clear and humorous way. Close-up photos of children's faces on left-hand pages illustrate and personalize the scant information. Three facts about each sense and a quiz are appended. Glos. Review covers these Sandcastle: All About Your Senses titles: Ears Are for Earrings, Eyes Are for Winking, Hands Are for Holding, and Mouths Are for Smiling.
386 pp.
| Abrams/Amulet
| August, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4197-0025-5$16.95
(3)
4-6
Ravens plucked out Peter Nimble's eyes before the infant was rescued at sea. Blind and orphaned, the boy grew into a miserable life of thievery. When he steals a set of magical eyes, however, Peter is set on a hopeful course to heroism and home. Daring adventures, vivid characters, and a particularly droll narrator bring this inventive story to life.
32 pp.
| Simon Spotlight
| June, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4424-3611-4$15.99
|
PaperISBN 978-1-4169-9173-1$3.99
(3)
K-3
Ready-to-Read: Robin Hill School series.
Illustrated by
Mike Gordon.
Emma is not happy about having to wear an eye patch on class picture day. Her confidence is boosted after her dad and teacher surprise everyone by having two pictures taken: one with just Emma in the eye patch, the other with everyone wearing one. Gordon's dependable illustrations add humor and kid-appeal to McNamara's insightful story.
40 pp.
| Holt
| April, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8050-8169-5$16.95
(4)
K-3
Jenny Sue describes getting glasses, wearing them with an eye patch, being teased, and finally creating "fashion-patches" that make her the envy of her classmates. This autobiographical account seems dated, but the collage illustrations are a wonder, especially those depicting what Jenny Sue sees through unfocused eyes.
259 pp.
| Farrar
| August, 2008
|
TradeISBN 978-0-374-31026-4$16.95
(2)
4-6
Kronos Chronicles series.
Petra Kronos's father has magical abilities to construct creatures out of tin and to make a wondrous weather-controlling clock. When the prince of Bohemia blinds Kronos, cutting out his eyes and magicking them for his own use, Petra resolves to steal them back from the prince's Cabinet of Wonders. Rutkoski's bucolic old-world atmosphere keeps her workmanlike plotting feeling fresh and fortuitous.
Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
January, 2009
32 pp.
| Houghton
| May, 2005
|
TradeISBN 0-618-43990-0$16.00
(4)
K-3
Sandpiper finds a glass eye, which, like a crystal ball, reveals the pirating life of Captain Black, the eye's owner. Sandpiper writes a book based on Captain Black's adventures that helps to reunite Captain Black with his eye. This is an odd story that stays afloat thanks to the clean airbrushed enamel on clayboard illustrations, which convey the characters' depth and warmth.