Jackson’s Wilder Adventures Volume 1 by Sarah Davidson is probably my favorite book read this week. Or even this year. Now, granted it is not because it was some elaborate affair of great worldly writing, but because it was a simple book that was a great introduction for the science reader. This fantastic science book works for the younger reader aged 6 to young 9. You are exposed to a situation (“gross food” or “scared of moving”) and then how animals can have a similar situation. This is explored by Jackson and Irwin the Thylacine, who travel through space to places such as Africa, the Arctic circle and the Yunque Rainforest. Each stop allows us to learn about gross ways animals eat and the fact their habitats are being destroyed. This is introduced by something that happens to Jackson, then his jeep-driving thylacine, Irwin, plays “Bill Nye” and gives us the scoop about nature.
We learn that foods might be gross to us, but tasty to the animals we read about, but also how humans do similar things (like instead of regurgitated slugs we blend foods in a blender) and that dung beetles not only eat poop but can live in it, too. (Jackson decides he’ll stick to dad’s mystery leftover casserole and his bed). And we see that polar bears need ice to capture their food or else they will be forced to go into cities and get into lots of trouble and macaws will not only lose their homes when fires break out in their jungle, but their source of food, too. Therefore, moving to a new apartment is not that bad after all.
The art is super bold, bright, colorful and not overly detailed, but with the needed amount. The pages bounce with color, and allow the story to be supported. There is not “too much” information, but just the right amount to capture your interest. And even this adult had fun learning about a few things (like I didn’t know there were different types of dung beetles).After each section there are activities for your reader to do as well. Answer key provided.
Due July 2024, I read via an online reader copy.
