Review: Poison Slimers by Ellen Lawrence

POISON SLIMERS

Poison Dart Frogs, Sea Cucumbers, and More

by Ellen Lawrence

Bearport Publishing

Picture Book / Non-Fiction

40 pages

ages 4 to 8

How does a poison dart frog release its deadly, toxic mucus when a predator attacks? And which underwater slime producer shoots sticky, poisonous, spaghetti-like threads from its butt to repel its enemies? In this brand-new title, learn the answers to these questions and more--and prepare to get slimed! This new Science Slam! title will introduce readers to some of the world's most toxic slimers. The book is expertly crafted to meet early elementary and science curriculum standards, as well as introduce children to bizarre and interesting facts. Innovative, grade-appropriate activities and experiments, critical-thinking questions, and fascinating fact boxes will hold readers' interests with a viselike grip. And, best of all, the activities are gooey and fun!

MY TIDBITS

Slime and animal fans will not only get their thrills when reading this but learn several things along the way.

The title of the book already says it: 'Poisons dart frogs, sea cucumbers, and more'. So much more. The pages are packed with colored creatures from around the world, including everything from land to sea. Some are probably not surprising, while others are less known and might even surprise the reader. Each two-page spread displays a bright, real life photograph of the creature in its natural habitat, along with a smaller photo(s) of closer details, possible attackers or other possible varieties of the creature.

While this is a book of facts, it's created with idea of keeping things fun. Each creature is introduced with an exciting title such as 'Killer Slime!' and the page with the animal's information appears to be dripping with goopy slime. The information is clear, but held at the right level for the intended audience. It's explained how slime is used by the creature, what type and its purpose. Extra bits of information along are sprinkled across the pages in word bubbles with arrows to make it clear what is going on. It gives the book a lively flair.

At the end of the book, is the recipe for a slime readers can make themselves. Then, there's an index, references where readers can find more information, and a link to a website which offers more fun in correlation with the book and topic. It's informative, interesting and fun.

It’s slippery, it’s sticky, and it can even be stinky. Get ready to get slimed! In this new Science Slam! series, children will love learning all about icky, gooey slime. From the deadly toxic slime produced by poison dart frogs to the bubble of mucus burped up by parrotfish to use as a sleeping bag, readers will gobble up this fascinating goo.

Each book in this new series is expertly crafted to meet early elementary and science curriculum standards, as well as introduce children to bizarre and interesting facts. Innovative, grade-appropriate activities and experiments, critical-thinking questions, and fascinating fact boxes will hold readers’ interests with a viselike grip. These features will also introduce children to two fundamental components of scientific inquiry: making observations and drawing inferences. And, best of all, the activities are gooey and fun!

There are six titles in this series, all of which can be found at Bearport Publishing here.