McDonald’s Happy Meal Books – Earth-Friendly Buildings, Bridges and More

Earth-Friendly Buildings, Bridges and More

Written by Etta Kaner
Illustrated by Stephen MacEachern

Introducing Corry Lapont: 12-year-old and aspiring “green” engineer. This dynamic title takes the form of Corry’s scrapbook. It’s a dazzling collection of postcards, brochures and other memorabilia documenting Corry’s research into green design. Kid-friendly language explains the engineering behind some of the planet’s most cutting edge towers, bridges, tunnels, domes, dams, dikes, locks and levees. These structures include the Vizcaya Bridge in Spain, where gondolas transport cars over the Nervion River, and the Channel tunnel, where trains speed between England and France in just 35 minutes. Readers will explore the environmental impact of structures, such as the pros and cons of dam construction and how rainwater can be used to cool buildings. Complex concepts are clarified with simple activities, as well as colorful drawings, fun facts and the occasional wisecrack from Corry’s kid brother, Riley.

December 15, 2018

McDonald’s Happy Meal Books – Animals Do, Too!

Animals Do, Too!

Written by Etta Kaner
Illustrated by Marilyn Faucher

“Do you like to dance?” asks the first spread of this playful nonfiction picture book. “Honeybees do, too!” responds the next. Illustrating the simple text are joyful drawings that visually connect the children enjoying a dance party to the honeybees performing their own “dance” in the hive. A block of more in-depth text fleshes out what the honeybees are actually doing and why: their waggle dance tells other honeybees “where to find a tasty meal.” Using this same rhythmic question-and-answer style throughout, the book compares a series of children’s favorite activities to similar things that animals do. From playing tag and leapfrog (gazelles and cattle egrets) to blowing bubbles and getting piggyback rides (gray tree frogs and marmosets), there are seven activities/animals in all. And though the behaviors might look the same, while the children are playing, the animals are performing essential tasks such as finding food or caring for their young.

Award-winning author Etta Kaner has created a fun, engaging exploration of some ways animals behave just like people. By highlighting connections between human and animal behaviors, she encourages children to develop compassion for other creatures and to recognize their place within the natural world. This book would make an excellent resource for early life science lessons on the characteristics of living things, especially with the expanded information in the back matter about each of the animals found in the book. The question-and-answer pattern of the text together with Marilyn Faucher’s inviting, detailed illustrations work as an entertaining, interactive read-aloud as well.

December 15, 2018December 15, 2018

McDonald’s Happy Meal Books – Animals at Work

Animals at Work

Written by Etta Kaner
Illustrated by Pat Stephens

Did you know that termites build towers as tall as houses? Or that ogre-faced spiders throw net traps over their prey? Whether it’s to gather food, build shelter or attract a mate, animals work in unexpected ways. Kids can try activities that demonstrate some surprising animal skills, like blowing bubbles the way a spittlebug does to hide itself from predators. Or mastering the half hitch and running knots that the weaverbird ties (with its feet!) when it builds a nest. Using concise language and realistic illustrations, this title in the Animal Behavior series takes a resourceful approach to exploring animal life.

December 15, 2018

McDonald’s Happy Meal Books – Animal Talk

Animal Talk

Written by Etta Kaner
Illustrated by Pat Stephens

A sea lion pup recognizes its mother’s call, even with thousands of other noisy sea lions about. A vervet monkey shouts “ha-ha-ha” to warn of an eagle passing overhead. A peacock fans its colourful tail feathers in a silent but impressive display to entice a peahen. Whether it’s to attract a mate, warn of predators or mark their territory, animals share information in some extraordinary ways. Containing lots of interesting facts, activities and easy-to-do experiments, this title in the Animal Behavior series takes a resourceful approach to exploring animal life.

December 15, 2018

McDonald’s Happy Meal Books – Animal Groups

Animal Groups

Written by Etta Kaner
Illustrated by Pat Stephens

Honeybees do a special dance to tell their hive mates where to find food. A group of ground squirrels will rush a threatening snake and throw sand in its face. Babysitter flamingos watch over hundreds of chicks while the mothers are away hunting. Whether it’s to find food, protect themselves or raise their young, animals live and work together in amazing ways. Containing lots of interesting facts, activities and easy-to-do experiments, this title in the Animal Behavior series takes a resourceful approach to exploring animal life.