Sneak Peek of Dawn Publications Fall Title Releases

            Hey folks! It's time for another sneak peek at Dawn Publications fall releases! If you're not familiar with Dawn Pub from my past reviews, they are "dedicated to inspiring in children a deeper understanding and appreciation for all life on Earth. We aim to help parents and teachers encourage children to bond with the Earth in a relationship of love, respect, and intelligent cooperation, through the books we publish and the educational materials we offer online." (taken from their mission page HERE) They also provide teacher resources, fun book apps including a new pop up app, and e-books.

            The first fall release I had the pleasure of reviewing is The Prairie That Nature Built by Marybeth Lorbiecki and illustrated by Cathy Morrison. It is best suited for children ages 4-10. This book beautifully illustrates life on a prairie: the animals, insects, plants, and more!
            First off, I absolutely LOVED the illustrations in this book. Most of the books I've reviewed thus far have had great illustrations, but these ones are just awesome. They're very colorful, vivid, and realistic, which I think will help engage kids in the book even more.
            I loved the rhyming and rhythm to this story as well. It makes for easy and fun reading. The repetition also helps children to remember what they're learning from the book.
            I have to admit, I liked The Prairie That Nature Built a lot better than another children's book on prairies that I reviewed recently. While kids will still definitely learn something from this book, like how all of the insects, plants, etc. interrelate, it's done so in more of a fun manner, in my opinion. In other words, kids are less likely to realize they're *gasp* learning something. ;) However, if you (as a parent or teacher) do want to expand upon the reading, there is a section in the back, as usual, with activity ideas and more detailed information on the critters, insects, and prairie in general.

             The Dandelion Seed's Big Dream is also a delightful little book. Its recommended ages are 4-10 as well, but I think younger children would enjoy it as also. The text is simple and not very "wordy", so I don't think they would get distracted easily.
            The pictures are also very colorful, realistic, and vibrant, which I think children will enjoy as well. I was very impressed with the illustrations in this book as well. The illustrator, Cris Arbo, really hit the nail on the head.
            As far as the subject matter, my first thought was, "Why would they pick a dandelion seed? No one likes dandelions." But, as with most things, I thought about it some more and formed a different opinion. Dandelions are actually quite useful, though most people still view them as weeds. You can make salads with them and make plenty of herbal remedies as well. Some of dandelion's other uses are touched upon in the back matter of the book, so hopefully grownups and children alike will start to appreciate those yellow "weeds" in their yard more!
            I also liked the main message of The Dandelion Seed's Big Dream: Don't give up on your dreams no matter what obstacles you face. The tiny little dandelion seed just wants to grow up and be a pretty yellow flower like his parents. While his fate is out of his hands for the most part since he can't exactly get up and walk where he wants to go, I think the book still has an underlying message to "work hard to make the things happen that you desire."