Cleary, Brian P. A-B-A-B-A--a Book of Pattern Play. (Illus. by Brian Gable; from the Math Is CATegorical Series.) Brookfield, CT: Millbrook Press, 2010. 32pp. $16.95. 2009049386. ISBN 9780822578802. C.I.P.

Level: K, EP
Rating: + +

Brian P. Cleary’s enjoyable A-B-A-B-A—a Book of Pattern Play is the sixth in his Math Is CATegorical series. The story begins with a definition of a pattern and ends with a reaffirming question, “So, what is a pattern?” This is a great question, since early childhood education can go into depth with explanations, only to find that children have not grasped what, specifically, a pattern is.

Cleary starts with things we know, from shapes and the letters A and B to ice cream cones and girls and boys. Only the pattern concept is easily grasped does he move on to the most important lesson, that of numbers. By this time he has the reader’s full attention, because of his cats, who entertain and teach, and which are beautifully illustrated by Brian Gabel.

There are blue cats, brown cats, purple cats, and pink cats. Boy cats, and girl cats with polka-dot dresses and bows. Through 30 pages, children are taken down an enjoyable path of pattern exercises. Why? Because, fundamentally, we all need the ability to recognize patterns in order to help us solve problems. Along the way, you are treated to a Dr. Seuss type of story, Cleary’s favorite from his own childhood. Success is only around the corner if everyone would read his book of patterns. As Cleary says, “Knowing them will help you start a pattern of success!” --Kathleen Cancio Canio, St. Lukes School, Culpeper, VA 

Skerry, Brian. Face to Face with Manatees. (Illus.; from the Face to Face with Animals Series.) Washington, DC: National Geographic Society, 2010. 32pp. $16.95. 2009040783. ISBN 9781426306167. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.

Level: EI-JH
Rating: + +

When early sailors first saw manatees emerging from the water, they believed that they had encountered mythical mermaids or sirens. Close up, the unattractive, hairless, heavy body of the manatees dispelled the mermaid myth, still retained by the name Sirenia for the order, but not our fascination for manatees. In Face to Face with Manatees, author and National Geographic photographer Brian Skerry provides young readers with a sterling introduction to the endangered manatee. The amazing, literally face-to-face photographs dominate the book. They portray the physical and adaptive features of the herbivorous manatee far better than any descriptive text: eyes buried in wrinkled skin, the lack of ears, the nasal valves that seal off nostrils under water, the bristled snout with flexible lips for grazing, forelegs rounded into flippers, hind legs absent, and tail flattened. They show manatees grazing on aquatic plants, nursing young, congregating in warmwater pools, and resting. The short text is arranged into four parts. The first covers the author’s interactions with manatee families and his photographic techniques. The second deals with the animal’s basic life history, biology, physical attributes, behavior, migration, and range. The third discusses natural and largely human threats to manatees, including habitat destruction, injuries from motorboat collisions, and pollution. The fourth discusses the treatment and care of injured manatees and approaches to saving manatees from extinction. Interesting sidebars and informative captions supplement the narrative. The book concludes with a summary of facts, a glossary, references, a list of websites, and an index. Although written for children, this colorful, informative book will appeal to adults as well. --Robert L. Smith, emeritus, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV

Schoemaker, Paul and Joyce. Chips, Clones, and Living Beyond 100: How Far Will the Biosciences Take Us? (Illus.) Upper Saddle River, NJ: Financial Times Press Science, 2010. xvii+216pp. $24.99. 2009023679. ISBN 9780137153855. Glossary; Index; C.I.P.

Level: C, T, GA
Rating: +

In this volume, the Schoemakers give us information about the history of the biosciences, the possible future of the biotech industry, and the challenges it faces. The book is a well-organized overview that not only gives scholarly information on various aspects of the biosciences, but also opens up issues for further study. The authors briefly discuss the ramifications of medical advances and biomedicine in business, society, and politics. Certain topics, such as the business aspect of biosciences, are given a more in-depth treatment compared with the role of biosciences in advancing medical health.

The book is well written, with some minor typographical and grammatical errors. Charts, tables, and graphs support the text and are an asset to the presentation. The book is neither very technical and nor too detailed and is therefore easy for the layman to understand. Overall, this book is well-researched, is interesting, and caters to wide audience. I recommend Chips, Clones, and Living Beyond 100 for all those who are interested in what the future holds for biotechnology. --Aruna Badiga, St. Josephs Children's Hospital, Tampa, FL