A Cool Summer Tail by Carrie Pearson

Click image to access publisher's pageA Cool Summer Tail presents animal environmental adaptation facts in a fresh and original way. Author Carrie Pearson inhabits the minds of young animals as they question how humans stay cool in the summer. The questions the animals pose are based on their own seasonal adaptation methods, means by which children might find comical to consider for themselves.  

For instance, a baby fox asks his mother if humans stay cool in the summer by hanging out their tongues and panting. Baby bees ask if humans cool their hives by using their wings to blow in air, thus helping the Queen to survive. Baby hummingbirds wonder if humans migrate in search of a cooler summer home. In the end, a boy asks his mother if animals splash in a swimming pool to stay cool.

Click image to access publisher's pageA Warm Winter Tail (winner of the 2013 Gelett Burgess Award) is the companion piece for A Cool Summer Tail, in which the same delightful winter adaptation juxtaposition consideration takes place. In it, baby deer wonder if humans grow hollow hair to keep warm in the winter. Baby frogs ask if human body parts freeze. Baby bears ask if humans get plump and sleep in a lump.  A young boy asks his mother if animals stay warm by bundling up in scarves, jackets, and boots. He is assured that their bodies know how to stay warm in the winter. No need for buttons or bows.

In addition to the plethora of free online offered on the publisher’s website, the final pages of both books include four pages of rich learning activities. These lessons paired with Illustrator Christina Wald’s lovely detailed work and Pearson’s intriguing text will undoubtedly enhance any study of the natural world and the incredible creatures that inhabit it.