Robert F. Sibert Informational Book Medal, Honor Book 2022

Wonderful nonfiction book and great topic. Most children know about hibernation but not estivation. I love books that get young readers excited about the natural world and that give them glimpses of wildlife they may not see in their own environments. ( )

We all learn about hibernation at school, but this book talks about animals that sleep in the summer instead. This one is full of facts.

I selected this book because it was a Robert F Sibert Honor Book in 2022. I was not disappointed. Not only did I not realize that certain animals hibernate in the summer, I certainly did not know the term for doing so is "estivate". This book, along with the vivid and realistic illustrations, is very informative and easy to read. I have a thorough understanding of estivation and the animals who estivate after reading it. The pictures are just as informative as the words. ( )

Many kids know about animals that hibernate in the winter, but what about those that estivate? Estivation is the summer equivalent of hibernation, and the author aims to help educate readers about creatures that sleep in the summertime.

Stewart covers a wide range of animals including insects, crustaceans, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and mammals. She points out that some, like ladybugs, snooze in groups, and others take their long naps alone. She explains where they go for their rest - some are inside clusters of leaves, some are in tree crevices or hollow logs, some are high up on tree branches, and some are underground.

For each double page spread on a particular creature, readers will see not only watercolors by Sarah S. Brannen but a box showing a lifelike drawing of the creature along with information like size and habitat as if from a nature guide.

In the ack matter, there are additional facts and trivia about animals that estivate, a guide to additional resources including websites, an Author’s Note, and an Illustrator’s Note.

This book has won a number of awards including a National Science Teaching Association Outstanding Science Trade Book.

Evaluation: This book for readers 6 and up will open their eyes to all the activity around them they may not have even been aware of, and could stimulate the budding scientists among them. ( )