Reviews from Another Life

I have been reviewing books for many years. Here you can search for reviews of other titles by the authors, illustrators, poets and publishers featured on my ‘Reviews’ blog.

Non-fiction, Science, Ocean, Deep seas Sue Wilsher Non-fiction, Science, Ocean, Deep seas Sue Wilsher

Professor Astro-Cat’s Deep-Sea Voyage

Professor Astro-Cat and his team are off on another adventure. Having arrived at the beach to enjoy some fun, they take a closer look at the seashore with its tide pools, sand and waves. Each element is clearly explained, with emboldened words appearing in a glossary at the end of the book. After discovering how oceans are formed, the gang climb aboard a ship and proceed to explore the oceans and their features, the water cycle and the diverse habitats and life forms that populate the deep.

This fascinating read is packed full of facts, peppered with the humorous antics of the crew. Along with the food web, water cycle and sea creatures, many of the places they visit- the Galapagos Islands, the Antarctic, underwater mountains, tectonic plates- feature in the KS2 curriculum, making this as useful as it is attractive.

The book also looks at the threats that are facing the oceans from overfishing to plastic pollution before explaining what is being done to reverse this and things that can be done to help. There is a Factoids section at the end which contains some amazing snippets of information to get young scientists investigating!

As with all these books, the illustrations are brilliant. Bright colours and bold blocks add to the appeal. Contents and index pages help readers to quickly navigate the text, making this excellent for dipping in and out of, locating information or reading from cover to cover.

Professor Astro Cat’s latest trip is every bit as enjoyable and informative as his previous expeditions. Join him on his deep sea voyage soon!

Professor Astro Cat’s Deep-Sea Voyage

Dr Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman

Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1912497126

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Non-fiction, Biology, Human body, Science Sue Wilsher Non-fiction, Biology, Human body, Science Sue Wilsher

Professor Astro Cat's Human Body Odyssey 

Professor Astro Cat is off on another amazing journey- this time to explore the wonders of the human body. The book starts by explaining what biology is and identifying the seven characteristics of living things.

Professor Astro Cat and his team then seek to answer all manner of questions about the human body and how it works from your cells to your ears to your heart to genetics. The book also looks at some quite complex bodily functions- the lymphatic system, the endocrine system, the immune system and genetics. Each area is carefully explained with clear illustrations to support the text. The book also looks at reproduction and keeping healthy before finishing with impairments and future science. From start to finish, it's a fascinating read with fabulous illustrations.

Covering many of the areas of study for KS2 science, 'Professor Astro Cat's Human Body Odyssey' would be a welcome addition to any classroom as a reference tool and for examples of explanation writing. 

A 'factoroids' section offers some gems and a glossary/ index clearly explains terms used throughout the book. Excellent stuff!

Professor Astro Cat's Human Body Odyssey   

 Dr Dominic Walliman, illustrated by Ben Newman

Flying Eye Books      ISBN:978-1911171140

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