(2) K-3 Number Tours for Curious Kids series. Illustrated by Dawn DeVries Sokol. Berne's counts and measures of the cells and organs of the human body illustrate just how remarkable -- and quantifiable -- we are. "Did you know" that we are composed of "30 trillion cells," eight thousand taste buds, and "60,000 miles" of blood vessels? Or that "15 million cells in your body were replaced by new ones in the time it took you to read this sentence"? Numerous other facts about our sensory organs and digestive, skeletal, respiratory, and circulatory systems are equally impressive. The organized layouts include diagrammatic illustrations that effectively portray each system, often within a child-size human body outline, accompanied by text on scraps of lined notebook paper that appear taped onto the pages. The end notes should not be skipped, as they include noteworthy details about the various systems, additional number facts, and an important statement about the degree of certainty of some of the numbers. An interactive section at the very end of the book encourages readers to measure their own bodies and to calculate the volume of their blood, their heart rate, and number of bones in their hands.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2024

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Amanda Hall. Berne's (On the Wings of Words, rev. 5/20) history of Earth's oceans and the evolution of marine life is presented as a poem in three parts: the formation of the oceans from Earth's early volcanic and atmospheric activity; the first emergence of life within the oceans; and the diversification of life in the seas to what we see today. The rhyming stanzas are impressive, filled with words and cadences that are entertaining to read aloud, and yet also precise in conveying scientific concepts about geological and biological processes. "So to the ocean came all kinds of life-- / fantastic, surprising, and new. / Step by step, bit by bit, they evolved in the sea. / And life grew, and life changed, and life grew." Hall's (Out of This World, rev. 3/19) mixed-media illustrations balance creative use of color and scientific accuracy: portraying the fiery black and orange landscapes of the young planet, the steamy grays and whites of the emerging ocean waters, and then the beautiful blues of the ocean across millions of years and down hundreds of meters. Extensive back matter includes notes from the author and illustrator on their research, detailed profiles of some of the species featured in the illustrations, additional resources and terminology, and a creative foldout timeline of Earth's history that is linked thematically to the concepts and illustrations in the book.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2023

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Becca Stadtlander. Berne's picture-book biography is a lyrical appreciation of Dickinson's skill with words, painting a vivid picture of the poet's special abilities ("With the power of her words-- / and the freedom of her imagination-- / she tasted spices in foreign lands, / and hid inside a flower..."). Interspersed passages from Dickinson's poems and letters serve as examples of points made in the text. They also appear throughout in Stadtlander's sumptuous, painterly gouache and watercolor illustrations, which masterfully blend the historical and the fantastical to showcase Dickinson's surroundings or imagination. The text itself is lengthy but full of glimpses into Dickinson's inner life, highlighting her love of nature and books and exploring the philosophical and religious questions that influenced her behavior. Both author and illustrator rely on butterfly imagery, one of many elements emphasizing Dickinson's "relationship to nature and the beauty of her work," as the artist's note puts it. Also appended are an author's note, a reading list, and more on reading, writing, and sharing poetry. (For a more lighthearted introduction to the poet, see the picture book review on page 114 of Jane Yolen's Emily Writes.)

Reviewer: Cynthia K. Ritter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2020

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Lorraine Nam. Introduction by Neil deGrasse Tyson. Berne's upbeat text describes the famous astrophysicist's life from childhood (when he discovered his love of outer space at the planetarium) to adulthood (when he became director of the Hayden Planetarium). She encourages readers to maintain a sense of wonder about the universe and their place in it. Colorful cut-paper and digital collage illustrations enhance the excitement and feeling of infinite possibilities. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Renée Wheeler

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Keith Bendis. Though his cousins tease him about his glasses, book-loving starling Calvin (Calvin Can't Fly) reminds himself of great historical figures who also wore them, such as Ben Franklin, Gandhi, and John Lennon. When faced with a precarious situation, Calvin uses his new spectacles in an unexpected way. Overt confidence-bolstering messages abound in the playfully written story with amiable illustrations featuring square, spindly-legged birds.

Reviewer: Rebecca Reed Whidden

(4) PS Illustrated by David Walker. Rhymed stanzas create a lullaby of sorts paying overly sentimental homage to animal bedtimes around the world, from a Maine moose family and a Bahama iguana to Utah prairie dogs and Malaysian tigers. Idyllic illustrations picture a young girl and her small dog enjoying the animals' bedtime routines, closing the story with her tucked into bed cuddling with all the critters.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(1) K-3 Illustrated by Vladimir Radunsky. Berne and Radunsky--in a gorgeous piece of bookmaking--use the "biggest, most exciting thought Albert had ever had" as the focal point for their homage to the great physicist. Berne's simple text shows the adult Albert's child-friendly inclinations (ice-cream walks, an aversion to socks), while Radunsky's spontaneous line work creates a sense of movement that perfectly mirrors Albert's endless search for answers.

Reviewer: Sam Bloom | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2013

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Keith Bendis. Calvin the starling is too busy reading to learn to fly, so his relatives figure out a way to carry him along when they migrate. Because he has read so much, Calvin recognizes a hurricane approaching and (predictably) manages to save the whole flock. The book delivers its worthy, if obvious, message with playful language and jaunty gouache illustrations.

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Éric Puybaret. Cousteau's aqualung invention and camera skills allowed him to share "the inside of the sea" with the rest of the world. This biography of the French oceanographer/filmmaker/environmentalist focuses on his lifelong passion for the ocean. The fluid, lyrical text is enhanced by dreamy, mesmerizing illustrations in teal-blue and mustard-yellow tones. An author's note provides more information (although no dates are included).

Reviewer: Tanya D. Auger