Informational Book Title #1

Face to Face with Penguins by Yva Momatiuk & John Eastcott

Image from www.barnesandnoble.com

Reviews: 
Children's Literature:

Imagine sitting on a beach and being greeted by four King penguins walking out of the surf, or laying down for some rest and feeling a penguin hop up on your back. These experiences are just part of what husband-wife photographers John Eastcott and Yva Momatiuk experienced when they traveled the globe to take young readers on a wild expedition in search of penguins. With a conversational tone that places the reader in the scene, this engaging book features first person accounts of penguin encounters, as well as detailed facts illustrated with vivid photographs. Children can learn about a wide variety of penguin species as well as their habits and habitats. Captions and sidebars add an extra layer of information while focusing on kid-friendly topics such as penguin talk, and why penguin poop is pink. Though the emphasis in this book is the stunning images, it is also a book rich in information, ranging from sections on how people can help protect penguins and the impact of global warming, to a "Facts at a Glance" section, a map, a glossary and index, and additional resources. A great book to share with children who first caught penguin fever from animated films or documentaries, this story will delight penguin lovers and intrigue children curious about what it would be like to experience nature's wonders firsthand. Reviewer: Keri Collins Lewis

School Library Journal:

Gr 3–6—The exquisite photos and firsthand information provide an in-depth and personal look into the lives of these animals. Readers are able to see and understand the needs and challenges facing them, both in the wild and with human encroachment of their territory. In Leopards, the authors tell the story of a cub that they met when she was only eight days old. They became "almost" friends with Legadema (whose name means "light from above," or "lightning") and watched her grow into a beautiful and powerful adult. The book contains a wealth of information about the species, comparisons to other types of cats, their habitats, feeding habits, and interaction with other animals. Penguins offers the same level of expertise in the factual specifics, but the authors focus on several general populations of penguins instead of a relationship with one or more animals. Both books provide conservation messages and suggestions for readers to get involved in habitat preservation, support, and funding for various wildlife organizations. Excellent selections.—Cynde Suite, Bartow County Library System, Adairsville, GA

Response: 
I loved this non-fiction book! The photographs are wonderful. There isn't an overwhelming amount of information and the layout is nice. I loved the photographs that took up large space. When it comes to informational texts I like layouts that are easy to find bits of information without having to read too much and lots of pictures, this book had both!

Momatiuk, Y., & Eastcott, J. (2009). Face to face with penguins. Washington, D.C: National Geographic.