Cover Image: Rare and Blue

Rare and Blue

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Member Reviews

An interesting nature book for kids that focuses on eight rare species that are blur, one flora and seven fauna. Two species are naturally rare; the rest are rare because of threatened and shrinking habitats due to humankind's encroachment, or, in the blue whale's case, climate change, toxins in the oceans, and collisions with ships. The main body of the book has lovely illustrations showing the different species as if we're on a field trip, visiting the habitats and viewing each species in its natural home. Information is given in each spread, with additional information in the back of the book. A selected bibliography, small glossary, and list of species types considered rare. Also included is a final spread on the rarest blue of all, our blue planet Earth.

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This unusual informational picture book celebrates eight blue flora and fauna, including the Kamer Blue Butterfly, Cerulean Warbler, Eastern Indigo Snake, and Bluestem Prairie Grass; most are endangered. The narrative is done in a dual text, with a sentence or two on each spread in large print indicating the species and where it can be found. The next page has a paragraph in smaller print describing the species with more factual information. For example: “To find pearly blue, kayak an icy bay. Scan the shoreline for a rubbing tree…Where are you, blue black bear?” followed by a paragraph on blue bears in Alaska. Full color watercolor paintings fill each page, with a realistic look at each species and its environment. Teachers can use this to introduce the subject of endangered species, reading aloud just the large text. The book concludes with a brief glossary, more facts on each species, and bibliography.

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This book very simply lays out the varying “treasures” on our “blue” planet.Great story to introduce young children to the effect man’s spreading out by cutting and digging up the land has on fauna and flora. Might even influence a trip or two to visit other places to look for the rare blue species. Wonderfully written with beautiful graphics. One book that should be on every library shelf and every young person’s home.
I received an advanced reader copy for free from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

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This book presents a number of animals that are both blue and rare. However, there is no explanation of why this focus was selected. Interesting illustrations show the animal in its natural environment, and brief information about the animal is given. While the book could be used when teaching about animal survival and adaptation or about how animals become endangered, I think an author’s note and an illustrator’s note would help guide and focus the reader as well as provide more information.

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