Bugs, bogs, bats and books

For Immediate Release
Thu, 04/17/2014

Contact:

Rob Christopher

Marketing Coordinator

ALA Publishing

American Library Association

312-280-5052

rchristopher@ala.org

CHICAGO — Reading a book before or after a trip to the zoo, a nighttime look at the stars or a walk in the forest can connect children to nature while inspiring discussion and questions.  In “Bugs, Bogs, Bats, and Books: Sharing Nature with Children through Reading,” teacher and librarian Kathleen T. Isaacs spotlights recent titles appropriate for children ages up to 10 that will help parents and caregivers encourage children’s wonder and enthusiasm for nature. Themed chapters such as “Nature Encounters,” “Backyard and Garden,” “From the Earth to the Sky and Beyond,” “Naturalists,” “Habitats,” “Plants and Trees,” “Animals” and “Books for Babies and Toddlers” identify picture books on nature-related subjects that kids love. Isaacs also offers supplemental science activities that adults and children can do together, such as a backyard bird count and hands-on projects with leaves and flowers. The hundreds of picture books listed and annotated in this resource will enrich the joy and excitement of nature for readers of all ages. The book is published by Huron Street Press, a trade publishing imprint of the American Library Association available through Independent Publishers Group as well as numerous traditional retail outlets in both print and e-book editions.

Isaacs is the author of “Picturing the World: Informational Picture Books for Children,” as well as hundreds of book reviews for various publications. She spent many years as a teacher, with intermittent stints as a school and public librarian. She has taught in schools and universities in Baltimore, Washington, Hong Kong and Xi’an, China, and has traveled extensively in many parts of the world. She has served on several award selection committees for the Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC), including those for the Sibert Award, Notable Children’s Books and the Newbery Medal.

In line with ALA’s mission to enhance learning and ensure access to information for all, Huron Street Press, a publishing imprint of the American Library Association, harnesses the expertise of the Association and encourages library use among the public. Huron Street Press is administered through ALA Editions, which publishes resources used worldwide by tens of thousands of library and information professionals to improve programs, build on best practices, develop leadership, and for personal professional development. ALA authors and developers are leaders in their fields, and their content is published in a growing range of print and electronic formats. Contact ALA Editions at (800) 545-2433 ext. 5052 or editionsmarketing@ala.org.