“Cheerfully illustrated… As always, Bulion uses both evocative vocabulary and a variety of poetic forms; these are chosen with care and defined in the backmatter… Engaging and information rich, this is wonderfully well woven.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Abundant scientific information, poetry, and colorful cartoon illustrations…scientific concepts are clearly conveyed, incorporating lively, sometimes icky touches…the enthusiastic tone will help readers find plenty to engage, inform, and intrigue.” —Booklist

“Readers will want to devour the pages… The approachable and accessible verse will make adults and children want to explore the natural world and discover a clutter of spiders…. A fun collection of factual poetry to add to shelves.” —School Library Journal  

“Notes on poetic form are on hand for readers who gravitate to the “A” in their STEAM curriculum, but the verses are also effective as mnemonic devices…teasing wordplay…and wry Gorey-esque bait for the spider grossout fans… Meganck’s digital artwork balances light-hearted cartooning with reliably detailed anatomical drawing.” —Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Book

“Poet Leslie Bulion and illustrator Robert Meganck’s latest collaboration will please fans of their previous collections of science themed poetry. This title…teaches as much as it entertains… Meganck’s whimsical illustrations complement the light-hearted verse. Overall, this is a solid choice for libraries that will enhance both poetry and nonfiction collections.” —School Library Connection   

Leslie Bulion is the author of several children’s books, including Uncharted Waters, The Trouble With Rules, and Fatuma’s New Cloth, winner of the African Studies Association’s 2002 Children’s Africana Books. She lives in Connecticut. You can visit  her website here.

Designer and illustrator Robert Meganck is a professor of illustration, graphic design, digital imaging, and color theory at Virginia Commonwealth University.  He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  He has received over 300 regional, national, and international awards for illustration and graphic design work. He lives in Virginia.

“A completely satisfying package… It’s impossible not to warm to herpetology after reading aloud poems… Meganck’s wry cartoons amplify the humor. The backmatter, strong as the main text, serves young readers well but will also spur teachers interested in multidisciplinary units on to new heights… Child readers and educators will find themselves enthralled by short, punchy poems and the science behind them.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Using the same format as Superlative Birds (2019) and Leaf Litter Critters (2018), which never gets old, Bulion pairs jaunty poems with science notes…. The thorough yet equally spirited science notes complement the poems… Once again, Bulion awes—and ewws—readers with facts disguised as fun.”—Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Delightful… The joyful poems beg to be read aloud… The jaunty illustrations amplify the text’s humor….a fun and informative addition for nature lovers.” —School Library Journal

Notable Poetry Books and Verse Novels List —National Council of Teachers of English, 2021

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor —California Reading Association, 2020

Leslie Bulion is the author of several children’s books, including Uncharted Waters, The Trouble With Rules, and Fatuma’s New Cloth, winner of the African Studies Association’s 2002 Children’s Africana Books. She lives in Connecticut. You can visit  her website here.

Designer and illustrator Robert Meganck is a professor of illustration, graphic design, digital imaging, and color theory at Virginia Commonwealth University.  He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  He has received over 300 regional, national, and international awards for illustration and graphic design work. He lives in Virginia.

“[An] innovative blend of history, technology, and engineering…insightful fun. STEM at its best.”—Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Attractively designed and engagingly written—sure to appeal to readers with a taste for the scientific and technical.” —Kirkus Reviews

“The information presented here is interesting, and most readers will find it fascinating to learn how car safety has changed over time.” —School Library Connection

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor ―California Reading Association, 2019

AAAS/Subaru  SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books (Middle Grades Longlist)―American Association for the Advancement of Science, 2021

Best STEM Books ―ASEE / ITEEA / NSTA / SEPA / CBC, 2020

Parents’ Choice Gold Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2020

The author of more than thrity-five nonfiction books for young readers, Jennifer Swanson holds a BS in chemistry from the U.S Naval Academy and an MS Ed in K-8 science from Walden University. In addition to being an award-winning author, she is also a middle school science instructor for John Hopkins University’s Center for Talented Youth. You can visit her website here.

TeMika Grooms is an illustrator and arts advocate inspired by great stories and the characters that live them.  She is intrigued by sequential art, specifically in the form of Children’s Literature and Graphic Novels, and the power they hold to influence change in society. You can visit her website here.

“With characteristic humor and carefully crafted language, poet Bulion offers readers amazing facts about birds of our world…. These engaging poems read aloud beautifully…. Meganck’s digital illustrations reflect the humorous tone…. Excellent resources for further bird study complete this delightful offering. Entertaining and educational, a superlative package.” —Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Fascinating facts… Meganck’s illustrations are one-dimensional and friendly, placing the birds against uncluttered backgrounds while clearly emphasizing the characteristic being highlighted by each poem.”—Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“A “top of the class” example of combining two different subjects that are approachable and a joy to read. A win for science and English classrooms.” —School Library Journal

“Bulion is an accomplished wordsmith…. Illustration is engrossing, imaginative, instructive, and deftly calibrated to the tone of the text…there’s enough trivia here to stoke middle grade know-it-alls. Even readers who are merely on fact-finding missions, though, will be impressed by the breadth and engagement of Bulion’s chosen poetry forms…. In works such as Superlative Birds, the collaboration of poetry and science invites children of varying reading preferences, learning styles, and worldviews to enter nature study through their own chosen door.” —The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books, STARRED REVIEW

Notable Poetry Books and Verse Novels List —National Council of Teachers of English, 2020

Connecticut Book Award (Finalist, Young Readers: Picture Books) —Connecticut Center for the Book, 2020

Delaware Diamonds (Nominee, 3-5) ―Diamond State Reading Association, 2020-2021

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Intermediate) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2020

Pennsylvania Young Reader’s Choice Awards (Nominee, Grades 3-5) ―Pennsylvania School Librarians Association, 2021-2022

Leslie Bulion is the author of several children’s books, including Uncharted Waters, The Trouble With Rules, and Fatuma’s New Cloth, winner of the African Studies Association’s 2002 Children’s Africana Books. She lives in Connecticut. You can visit  her website here.

Designer and illustrator Robert Meganck is a professor of illustration, graphic design, digital imaging, and color theory at Virginia Commonwealth University.  He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  He has received over 300 regional, national, and international awards for illustration and graphic design work. He lives in Virginia.

“Elegant and informative, this is sure to attract casual browsers and true space nerds alike.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW

“Captivating free-verse narrative…vivid mixed-media illustrations that stun with photographic realism and varied perspectives…this well-researched title offers a stirring introduction to one of humankind’s most impressive undertakings.” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

“Stunning… Slade’s carefully crafted, often alliterative text, written in free verse, is both succinct and readable, drawing this large topic down to the most necessary and interesting facts with enough detail to excite young teens as well as adults who may have lived through the missions.… Truly out of this world. A must-buy for most poetry collections.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

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“A grand…tale about a magnificent effort. A handsomely packaged look back at an epochal achievement.” ―Kirkus Reviews

“[A] book that will captivate and entertain young readers while educating them about an amazing decade of U.S. space exploration…In the 21st century, space travel goals aim much further away than the moon, but Countdown drives home how truly incredible the Apollo missions are in the history of mankind.” ―Shelf Awareness

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Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2019

Parents’ Choice Gold Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2018

Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K-12 ―NSTA / CBC, 2019

Eureka! Gold Nonfiction Children’s Book Award ―California Reading Association, 2018

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Chicago Public Library Best of the Best Book ―Chicago Public Library, 2018

Beehive Award (Poetry Nominee) ―Children’s Literature Association of Utah, 2020

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Starred, Junior High) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

Lectio Book Award (Master List) ―Lectio Book Award, 2019

Magnolia Book Award (Nominee, Grades 6-8) ―Mississippi Children’s Museum, MDE / MLA / MLC / USM, 2020

Prairie Pasque Children’s Book Award (Nominee) ―South Dakota Library Association, South Dakota Reading Council, South Dakota State Library, South Dakota Elementary School Principals, 2020-2021

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Suzanne Slade is the award-winning author of over one hundred children’s books. She lives in Illinois. You can visit her website here.

Thomas Gonzalez is an illustrator, designer, and portrait artist. A native of Cuba, Tom came to the United States when he was ten years old. He studied at the Atlanta School of Art (now called Savannah of Art and Design). After working at the Coca-Cola Company for more than twenty years, Tom held several creative positions with other global brands. He has illustrated many picture books, including 14 Cows for America, Seven and a Half Tons of Steel, and Countdown. He lives in Georgia. You can visit his website here.

“The poems are expertly crafted in a variety of forms (identified in the backmatter). The language is lively and the imagery appropriate. With alliteration, internal rhymes, and careful rhythm, these will be a delight to read aloud and learn…. Meganck’s engaging digital drawings give each creature pop-eyes and attitude…. A delightful, memorable introduction to an unsung ecosystem.” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Bulion stuffs her poems with scientific detail and puts even more into accompanying “science notes.” Meganck’s cartoons strike sillier notes…balancing all of the information Bulion provides with hefty doses of fun.” ―Publishers Weekly

“In this ecological poetry collection, Bulion works her own magic, turning potentially dull life science into zany fun…. An amusing way to get the dirt on food chains.” ―Booklist

“Educational and highly entertaining…rich with cross-curricular teaching opportunities. Meganck’s humorous, digitally rendered cartoon artwork will have readers giggling as they learn.… An excellent find for science fans and teachers alike.” ―School Library Journal

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“A fascinating and funny introduction to the duff or brown food web… Terrific back matter… Bright comic illustrations by Robert Meganck make these critters very appealing while adding to reader’s understanding and make this small book truly enticing.  Fabulous fun, this is a real winner both for the classroom and for young scientists learning on their own.” ―Booklist Reader

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Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor ―California Reading Association, 2018

Moonbeam Children’s Book Award (Silver, Children’s Poetry) ―Independent Publisher, 2018

Alabama Camellia Award (Nominee, Grades 4-5 Non-fiction) ―Alabama Department of Education, 2019-2020

Kansas State Reading Circle Recommended Reading List (Junior High) ―Kansas National Education Association, 2019

Leslie Bulion is the author of several children’s books, including Uncharted Waters, The Trouble With Rules, and Fatuma’s New Cloth, winner of the African Studies Association’s 2002 Children’s Africana Books. She lives in Connecticut. You can visit  her website here.

Designer and illustrator Robert Meganck is a professor of illustration, graphic design, digital imaging, and color theory at Virginia Commonwealth University.  He received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Center for Creative Studies in Detroit, MI and an MFA from Cranbrook Academy of Art in Bloomfield Hills, MI.  He has received over 300 regional, national, and international awards for illustration and graphic design work. He lives in Virginia.

“A fascinating, thoughtful, and provocative look at what in the Constitution keeps the United States from being ‘a more perfect union.’” ―Kirkus Reviews, STARRED REVIEW

“Insightful… Much food for thought on the application and relevance of many of the Constitution’s stipulations. Essential for class discussions, debate teams, and reports.” ―School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW

“Lately there’s been dismay that civics, government, and history have taken a backseat in classrooms. This smartly conceived book goes a long way toward reintroducing students to those subjects….the Levinsons link both history and current events as they offer an illustrative group of examples that show where the Constitution got it right—and wrong…. Although the font, charts, and well-written text make this appealing, it’s not always an easy read. It is, however, an important one.” ―Booklist, STARRED REVIEW  

“Interest-piquing anecdotes open each chapter, the effects of the Constitution’s provisions are dramatically summarized in poster-like illustrations, and the ensuing discussions…are both cogent and highly readable…thought-provoking and exceptionally topical…” ―Publishers Weekly, STARRED REVIEW

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“It’s an excellent introduction to the strengths and weaknesses of our founding document and is especially enlightening for those who don’t yet understand how our government is supposed to work.” —Laurie Halse Anderson, New York Times

“This provocative and fascinating book brought the Constitution to life for me and made me question my deepest assumptions about our country. The questions it raises became an essential part of the debate in my play What the Constitution Means to Me, and I wish every student in America would read it.” —Heidi Schreck, playwright & creator of Pulitzer Prize finalist What the Constitution Means to Me

“Chatty, conversational, and very provocative, this fascinating book takes our revered document and opens it up to examination and debate…. Throw out the high school textbooks and put this outstanding book in the hands of the next generation!” ―The Booklist Reader

“While written for students, the book is a worthwhile read for adults as well.” ―School Library Connection

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Parents’ Choice Gold Award ―Parents’ Choice Foundation, 2017

Eureka! Nonfiction Children’s Book Award Silver Honor ―California Reading Association, 2017

Notable Children’s Books ―ALSC, 2018

Best Children’s Books of the Year ―Bank Street College of Education, 2018

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Building a Home Library (Ages 12-14) ―ALA, Children’s Book Council, 2018

Capitol Choices Noteworthy Books for Children and Teens―Capitol Choices, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2018

Notable Social Studies Trade Books for Young People ―National Council for the Social Studies/Children’s Book Council, 2020

Orbis Pictus Outstanding Nonfiction for Children Award (Recommended Book) ―National Council of Teachers of English, 2018

Texas Topaz Nonfiction Reading List ―Texas Library Association, 2019

Garden State Teen Book Awards (Nominee, Nonfiction for Grades 6-12) ―New Jersey Library Association, 2019

Massachusetts Book Awards (Honor Book) ―Massachusetts Center for the Book, 2018

Writers’ League of Texas Book Awards (Finalist, Middle Grade/Young Adult)―Writers’ League of Texas, 2017

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Cynthia Levinson holds degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University and also attended the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. A former teacher and educational policy consultant and researcher, she is the author of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March. She has also published articles in Appleseeds, Calliope, Cobblestone, Dig, Faces, and Odyssey.  You can visit her website here.

Sanford Levinson is an American legal scholar, a professor in the Law School and the Department of Government at the University of Texas, and a frequent visiting professor at Harvard Law School. He holds degrees from Duke, Stanford, and Harvard universities and is the author of several adult works of nonfiction.

Joyce Blackburn is well known for her prize-winning fiction and historical biographies for children. She has written fourteen books, including Suki and the Invisible Peacock, Suki and the Old Umbrella, Suki and the Magic Sand Dollar, and Suki and the Wonder Star, in addition to biographies of Martha Berry, Theodore Roosevelt, John Adams, James Edward Oglethorpe, and George Wythe. Ms. Blackburn lives on St. Simons Island off the coast of Georgia.

Cynthia Levinson holds degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University and also attended the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. A former teacher and educational policy consultant and researcher, she is the author of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March. She has also published articles in Appleseeds, Calliope, Cobblestone, Dig, Faces, and Odyssey.  You can visit her website here.

Cynthia Levinson holds degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University and also attended the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. A former teacher and educational policy consultant and researcher, she is the author of the award-winning and critically-acclaimed We’ve Got a Job: The 1963 Birmingham Children’s March. She has also published articles in Appleseeds, Calliope, Cobblestone, Dig, Faces, and Odyssey. You can visit her website here.