(2) K-3 Illustrated by Barbara McClintock. An early, vivid anecdote draws readers in to this compelling picture-book biography: young Sophie Germain, in Revolutionary France, would sneak out of bed at night--to study math! Bardoe's writing is graceful, lyrical, and powerful, with the phrase "nothing stopped Sophie" repeated throughout. McClintock's spirited illustrations, in gouache, collage, and colored markers, feature turn-of-the-nineteenth-century details and bold, whimsical touches. Bib.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2018

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Alan Marks. This picture book celebrates an unlikely hero: the dung beetle. The fluid narrative covers habitats and behaviors of the three types--dwellers, rollers, and tunnelers--each of which relies on dung for food, liquid, and reproduction. Colorful watercolors add beauty and clarity to a fascinating look at these unusual "ancient symbols of life and renewal." Further information is appended. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Doug Kennedy. A Tyrannosaurus rex egg hatches in a duck's nest. The "duckling" fails to fit in with his duck family and can't seem to befriend other animals (lizards, Stegosauruses, etc.). He's certain he'll never "belong anywhere" until--"STOMP! STOMP!"--a mama T. rex appears. The story, illustrated with cartoony characters, ends predictably and abruptly; the appended author and artist notes are more satisfying. Reading list. Bib.

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger

(3) 4-6 Drawing on scientific examinations of bones and preserved specimens and comparisons to modern elephants, Bardoe presents these extinct mammals' physical and behavioral characteristics, habitats, and possible interactions with humans. Photographs of scientists at work and speculative artistic renderings of the animals provide historical and scientific context. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Jos A. Smith. This thoughtful biography covers Mendel's early pursuits through his time as a friar at the Czech Abbey of St. Thomas in Brno. There his early experiments with plant genetics in peas were encouraged and respected, though not recognized by the larger scientific community until 1900. Smith's detailed watercolor-style illustrations ably illustrate Bardoe's lucid text. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian