Nancy F. Castaldo's Blog, page 12
April 3, 2018
Happy Birthday, Jane Goodall
Happy Birthday, Jane Goodall!
Jeanette Winter's The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps and Patrick McDonnell's Me...Jane both are perfect books to introduce young readers to the life of groundbreaking researcher, Jane Goodall.
Me...Jane focuses more on Goodall's childhood, while The Watcher focuses on Goodall's early days in the field observing chimps.
Beautifully illustrated and well-researched, The Watcher is a wonderful celebration of Goodall's tireless efforts in chimpanzee conservation. Both titles are a must for an elementary classroom collection!
Anita Silvey's Jane Goodall biography, Untamed, is the perfect biography for older readers. It not only is filled with many beautiful photos, but goes deeper into the life of this extraordinary researcher and her conservation efforts.
Jeanette Winter's The Watcher: Jane Goodall's Life with the Chimps and Patrick McDonnell's Me...Jane both are perfect books to introduce young readers to the life of groundbreaking researcher, Jane Goodall.
Me...Jane focuses more on Goodall's childhood, while The Watcher focuses on Goodall's early days in the field observing chimps.
Beautifully illustrated and well-researched, The Watcher is a wonderful celebration of Goodall's tireless efforts in chimpanzee conservation. Both titles are a must for an elementary classroom collection!
Anita Silvey's Jane Goodall biography, Untamed, is the perfect biography for older readers. It not only is filled with many beautiful photos, but goes deeper into the life of this extraordinary researcher and her conservation efforts.
March 28, 2018
Shooting for the Stars - Women Exploring the Universe
When I wrote Leap Into Space, I included many female scientists and astronauts -- Sally Ride, Maria Mitchell, Nahide Craig, Heidi Jo Newberg, and Annie Jump Cannon. The truth is that women have been involved in exploring the universe for centuries. Let's wrap up this Women's History Month by celebrating these women. Here are some great titles to add to your bookshelf.
March 22, 2018
Celebrate World Water Day!
Today is World Water Day and here's a great way to celebrate!
Calling all Oregon students!
I just learned of a fantastic program for Oregon students --- K through college! It's an opportunity to submit work (both writing and art) to a student anthology called, Honoring Our Rivers. The deadline this year is Earth Day, April 22, 2018.
I wrote about a similar program that was sponsored by the Columbia Riverkeeper in my book, River Wild. It was an annual poetry contest called, Love of a River. And there is another one called River of Words on the theme of watersheds.
Rivers are so inspiring. I love hearing of programs that encourage kids to look at their local waterways, become inspired and then…..CREATE!
I can't wait to see the next Honoring Our Rivers Anthology! I know it will be terrific!
And for those of you looking to be inspired by rivers - check out these titles!
March 21, 2018
Blast from the Past - Climate Change Prediction
I just came across a quote that I wrote down from the New York Times that ran on August 8, 2009.
"The changing global climate will pose profound strategic challenges to the United States in coming decades, raising the prospect of military intervention to deal with the effects of violent storms, drought, mass migration, and pandemics, military and intelligence analysts say."
It is now March 21, 2018. Nine years later and we have the agreement of every nation in the world (except the US) on climate change. I am thankful for the states that have kept their Paris Accord commitment. If our federal government will not help us, then we must help ourselves.
We can all make a difference when if work together.
"The changing global climate will pose profound strategic challenges to the United States in coming decades, raising the prospect of military intervention to deal with the effects of violent storms, drought, mass migration, and pandemics, military and intelligence analysts say."
It is now March 21, 2018. Nine years later and we have the agreement of every nation in the world (except the US) on climate change. I am thankful for the states that have kept their Paris Accord commitment. If our federal government will not help us, then we must help ourselves.
We can all make a difference when if work together.
March 10, 2018
Elephants, Lions, and ....trophies. Oh my!
Here are the facts.
There were over 3 million African elephants in 1930. Today that has decreased to just about 3,000 due to poaching and habitat loss.
Elephants, the symbol of the GOP, are the largest land animal on the planet and can live up to 70 years. They are highly intelligent and, like us, self-aware. That means that when they look at themselves in a mirror they know they are seeing themselves. This is rare among wildlife. Even our beloved dogs are not self-aware. They have even been shown to solve problems and create tools
You can read more about their cognition in my BEASTLY BRAINS: Exploring How Animals Think, Talk, and Feel.
In addition to their strong cognitive abilities, elephants live in highly organized social structures. They take care of their young and grieve the deaths of those around them.
These fascinating creatures are endangered and at tremendous risk from habitat loss and poaching.
China and the UK have banned ivory and trophies brought into their countries. The United States had also banned bringing in trophies, but now that is being reversed.
This week Safari Club International announced that this ban would be changed to allow trophies in the US on a case by case basis.
Now, let's step back from this for a minute. This important federal policy was not announced by our government, but by a private organization that supports big game trophy hunting. This is concerning. How was the decision made and by whom? What are the guidelines?
Hunting endangered species is illegal in the United States. A hunter who might shoot a deer cannot go hunting for bald eagles or California condors. Is our government now saying that it is ok for Americans to hunt endangered species in other parts of the world?
There are a lot of ways we can help save endangered species in our country and around the world. One very easy thing that everyone can do is to make your voice heard! Contact Congress by calling 1-800-344-WILD and press "0" to speak to your representative.
Write an editorial. Tweet to your friends and followers.
Speak up and contact the Fish and Wildlife Service!
We can all make a difference and together we can do amazing things.
Here are some other ways:
There were over 3 million African elephants in 1930. Today that has decreased to just about 3,000 due to poaching and habitat loss.
Elephants, the symbol of the GOP, are the largest land animal on the planet and can live up to 70 years. They are highly intelligent and, like us, self-aware. That means that when they look at themselves in a mirror they know they are seeing themselves. This is rare among wildlife. Even our beloved dogs are not self-aware. They have even been shown to solve problems and create tools
You can read more about their cognition in my BEASTLY BRAINS: Exploring How Animals Think, Talk, and Feel.
In addition to their strong cognitive abilities, elephants live in highly organized social structures. They take care of their young and grieve the deaths of those around them.
These fascinating creatures are endangered and at tremendous risk from habitat loss and poaching.
China and the UK have banned ivory and trophies brought into their countries. The United States had also banned bringing in trophies, but now that is being reversed.
This week Safari Club International announced that this ban would be changed to allow trophies in the US on a case by case basis.
Now, let's step back from this for a minute. This important federal policy was not announced by our government, but by a private organization that supports big game trophy hunting. This is concerning. How was the decision made and by whom? What are the guidelines?
Hunting endangered species is illegal in the United States. A hunter who might shoot a deer cannot go hunting for bald eagles or California condors. Is our government now saying that it is ok for Americans to hunt endangered species in other parts of the world?
There are a lot of ways we can help save endangered species in our country and around the world. One very easy thing that everyone can do is to make your voice heard! Contact Congress by calling 1-800-344-WILD and press "0" to speak to your representative.Write an editorial. Tweet to your friends and followers.
Speak up and contact the Fish and Wildlife Service!
We can all make a difference and together we can do amazing things.
Here are some other ways:
March 6, 2018
Endangered Species Day -- Get Planning
It's not too early to plan ahead for Endangered Species Day - May 18, 2018.
This is the 13th annual international celebration of endangered species. It's an ideal day for teachers and community leaders to educate students about the importance of protecting the Earth's biodiversity.
There are so many ways to engage in the celebration. Here are just a few:
*Plan a school-wide Endangered Species Day fair with exhibits.
*Arrange a special display in the school library or cafeteria.
*Invite a local expert to speak to the school/class.
*Work with a community/environmental group on a habitat restoration project.
*Attend an event at a local zoo, aquarium, botanic garden or other location.
Once a specific activity is planned, your class can register it on the Endangered Species Day website: (www.endangeredspeciesday.org(link is external))
February 14, 2018
Award-Winning STEAM Kidlit
Congratulations to all the winners and honorees of the American Library Association book awards. It's always an exciting day when we can celebrate children's literature.
Here are the award-winning titles that you should add to your STEAM bookshelf:
*Vincent and Theo: The Van Gogh Brothers written by Deborah Heiligman and published by Godwin Books/Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan Children’s Publishing Group (art, biography) YALSA
The Whydah: A Pirate Ship Feared, Wrecked, and Found written by Martin W. Sandler, and published by Candlewick Press (marine archeology) YALSA honor
“Sea Otter Heroes: The Predators That Saved an Ecosystem,” written by Patricia Newman and published by Millbrook Press, a division of Lerner Publishing Group, Inc. (conservation, ecology) Sibert Honor
“Wolf in the Snow,” illustrated and written by Matthew Cordell, and published by Feiwel and Friends, an imprint of Macmillan. (wildlife, wolves)
“Grand Canyon,” written and illustrated by Jason Chin and published by Roaring Brook Press, a Neal Porter Book. (environment) Sibert Honor, Caldecott Honor
January 23, 2018
I HEART Sharks!
I happen to like sharks. Sorry, President Trump, I don't believe they should all die. And for that reason, I'd like to share a new, favorite book about sharks with you all -- SMART ABOUT SHARKS, by Owen Davey.
Not only does this book have a fun, retro-styled cover, it is wonderful to hold. It's cloth over cardboard, like many vintage titles. That's where the old-style nonfiction style ends.
Turn the pages and you'll see what I mean.
The text is kid-friendly, fun, and informative -- exactly what we love in current nonfiction titles.
Check out this page all about shark teeth. It's so much fun that I wish I had written it myself.
Most of us know how important sharks are to our ocean ecosystem. This book reiterates that and goes above and beyond telling us how amazing they are as well.
Perhaps we need to get a copy off to the White House?
To donate on behalf of shark conservation: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
SaveSaveSaveSave
Not only does this book have a fun, retro-styled cover, it is wonderful to hold. It's cloth over cardboard, like many vintage titles. That's where the old-style nonfiction style ends.
Turn the pages and you'll see what I mean.
The text is kid-friendly, fun, and informative -- exactly what we love in current nonfiction titles.
Check out this page all about shark teeth. It's so much fun that I wish I had written it myself.
Most of us know how important sharks are to our ocean ecosystem. This book reiterates that and goes above and beyond telling us how amazing they are as well.
Perhaps we need to get a copy off to the White House?
To donate on behalf of shark conservation: Sea Shepherd Conservation Society
SaveSaveSaveSave
January 12, 2018
Sniffer Dog Super Powers
One of the most interesting stories I wrote for SNIFFER DOGS is the story of Zuma and Jax. Both are trained forensic sniffer dogs. These dogs sniff out OLD BONES. They can find ancient Native American burial sites, missing cemetery plots, and cremation remains, and know the remains are human. Pretty incredible!
I watched and wrote about Zuma, a beautiful border collie, locating a small amount of cremation remains -- basically human sand -- in the woods of North Carolina.
Zuma from Sniffer Dogs (HMH)If that isn't mind blowing enough check out what Zuma’s teammates are doing in California after the horrific wildfires.
Imagine having your house burn to the ground with all of your belongings, including the cremation remains of a beloved family member. Just heartbreaking. Well, Zuma's team of forensic sniffer dogs can actually find those treasured remains (cremation ashes) among all of the ashes of everything else in the house that burned.
These aren't the only detection dogs in the news. Other dogs are searching today for people missing in the California mudslides.
The skills of sniffer dogs are endless. I am proud of these working canines and their dedicated handlers, and so privileged to have spent time with many of them.
If you'd like to find out more about sniffer dogs, check out my book and these additional tittles:
January 10, 2018
2018 Free Monthly Skype Visits
Would you like a free short Skype visit for your students? If your class has read one or more of my books you are eligible to book a time during one of my monthly FREE SKYPE VISIT DAYS.
Skype visits enable students to meet an author and ask questions about research and writing -- especially if an in-person visit isn't an option.
There are limited times available for January 19th.
The next available date is the afternoon of February 14th -- following my National Biodiversity Teach In Webinar.
You can also book a visit for March 15th.
Of course, I love to visit schools in person. I'm currently booking spring and fall author visits.
For more information and to contact me please visit my web site .
Skype visits enable students to meet an author and ask questions about research and writing -- especially if an in-person visit isn't an option.
There are limited times available for January 19th.
The next available date is the afternoon of February 14th -- following my National Biodiversity Teach In Webinar.
You can also book a visit for March 15th.
Of course, I love to visit schools in person. I'm currently booking spring and fall author visits.
For more information and to contact me please visit my web site .
