SOIL: More Than Just Dirt

Author: Jerry Wermund
Publisher: Rockon Publishing
Genre: Children / Science
ISBN: 978-09726255-3-1
Pages: 48
Price: $18.95

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Most of us give very little thought to the ground we walk on. When we plant our garden, the soil is just something we dig. But do you know how soil is formed? Or how many different kinds of soil there are?

Jerry Wermund explains soil formations in this interesting and informative book, written in a poetic style. He also includes many color photos of the various kinds of soil, with explanations of what makes them unique.

Although the author intends this book for elementary and middle school children, some of the vocabulary is too difficult for a younger child to understand. Many of the terms are defined, but adult explanations may also be necessary.

SOIL: More Than Just Dirt is an excellent resource for the budding environmentalist.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

Youngen Finds Her Song

Author: Maria J. Andrade
Publisher: Clara Publishing
Genre: Children
ISBN: 978-0970634740
Pages: 108
Price: $19.95

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A young thrush named Youngen is having trouble finding her song. As she spends time with her friends who have beautiful feathers and nicer nests than her own, she starts to doubt herself and her parents. Rufus, a wise old owl, notices her discomfort and decides to take her on a journey to learn about the world.

As she travels with Rufus, she learns many things about the animals in the forest and about Humans – those strange animals that make war with each other, but also build magnificent cities. And she learns that Humans can also be loving and compassionate, when she finds her own life in danger. As Youngen learns about herself and the world around her, she spontaneously bursts into song – her own unique and very beautiful song.

Author Maria J. Andrade has written a sweet novel of a young bird coming of age. She shares tidbits of wisdom about animal life and their habits along the way, to educate while telling her story. Respect for the earth and all animal and plant life is demonstrated through Youngen’s words and actions. An uplifting book with a positive message, Youngen Finds Her Song is a delight to read.

Reviewer: Alice Berger

The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide

Author: Sally Roth
Genre: Nature/Outdoors
Publisher: Rodale Inc.
ISBN: 1-59486-602-3
Pages: 336
Price: $19.95

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“When you identify birds by name, they feel like friends.

That is Sally Roth’s assertion, noted on the back of her very pleasant book, The Backyard Bird Lover’s Field Guide. If you are accustomed to the usual suspects utilized for bird identification, such as the Peterson’s guide or Sibley’s, Roth’s work will give you a refreshing, simple alternative. And if you’re a novice birder, it’s just what you need.

Roth begins by describing a bit of bird-watching history along with personal reasons on how and why one should pursue such an activity. She writes with a casual, light-hearted style that makes it seem like you’re reading notes from a familiar acquaintance. The large number of vivid photographs adds additional life to her homespun tales.

The author gets to the heart of solving the avian identification riddle by describing specific geographic regions around the United States detailed with native birds in mind. The information is especially handy for those who enjoy traveling or are just curious about common bird populations around the country.

The book provides easy directions for identifying a variety of well-known species. What are your “First Impressions” of the bird in question? “Details, details,” and “Listen up!” are just a few of the categories one should consider. Roth even tells us what seeds they will eat from birdfeeders and the types of vegetation they prefer. Each page is capped off with a short recollection or insight of the featured bird.

The focus and style of Sally Roth’s field guide make this a valued addition to any bird lover’s collection. It may be slanted to newcomers, but it’s a great way for anyone to become friends with the birds.

Reviewer: Gene Berger

Spirits in the Garden: The Amazing Realm of Secret Life Around Us

Author: Joan Solomon
Publisher: Grynwild Publishing
Genre: Non-fiction
ISBN: 0-9786166-0-X
Pages: 143
Price: $65.00

Author’s website

Spirits in the Garden is not your ordinary coffee table book of pretty photographs you leave out to impress company. Joan Solomon has compiled a visually exquisite and thoughtful journey into the wonderment of the natural world, most notably the plant kingdom.

Solomon dedicated her work to “the Ineffable that expresses itself in Nature.” Her work is a testament to the “garden” we take for granted in our everyday lives or ever take notice to. Solomon’s book is divided into four chapters filled with award-winning photographs and paintings that bring a multitude of flowers and plants to vibrant life.

The visuals are accompanied by Solomon’s personal insights into the meaning of Nature and the “unique messages” that are out there for us to discover and use to our benefit to enhance our physical and mental well-being. Her chapter on “Using Plant Wisdom to Nourish, Nurture, and Heal” can stand as an informative text in itself.

Spirits in the Garden would be an important addition to anyone’s personal library that has a desire to be closer to nature and learn some of its secrets. This book educates, enlightens and empowers both the mind and soul. An experience everyone should share.

Reviewer: Gene Berger