Red-Eyed Tree Frog

Author: Jay Cowley
Illustrator:   Nic Bishop
Publisher:  Scholastic Press
Publication Year:   1999
Location: Knox County Public Library- Lawson McGhee

Awards:   Horn Book Award, Horn Book Fanfare, Booklist Top of List

Summary:  Bishop's amazing photographs accompany simple text about the life of the tree frog. There are many other animals in the rain forest, but the tree frog escapes the scary boa constrictor in order to find a moth for dinner. The perfectly clear close-up pictures look and feel as though the reader has become the tree frog.

Classroom Ideas: Classroom study of the rain forest, predator/prey, animals

Extras: "Did you know?" author's note,

The Tarantula Scientist

Author: Sy Montgomery
Illustrator:   Nic Bishop
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin
Publication Year:   2004
Location: Knox County Public Library- Powell

Awards:   Sibert Honor, School Library Journal Best Books, Kirkus starred review, Outstanding Science Trade Book

Summary:  The story of Sam Marshall, a scientist who studies tarantulas. It follows him into the rainforest as well as back to his laboratory. Along the way, Sam encounters other rainforest animals as well as some dangers. The close up photographs of tarantulas are either incredibly cool or incredibly creepy depending on who you are, but they are definitely amazing. The information included really captures the life of a research scientist in the field.

Classroom Ideas: A classroom study of spiders or rainforests could include this book. It would also be interesting to read as an introduction to what scientists really do.

Extras: A map of the rainforest areas where tarantulas are found, along with labeled photographs and information about Sam's findings in the rainforest. There is also a glossery, index, and bibliography.