Title: Log Life
Author: Amy Hevron
Illustrator: Amy Hevron
Target Ages: 5 and up
Genre: Nonfiction Science Picture Book
Publisher Summary:
“A fallen log
is full of life.
Peek inside this tiny habitat
and meet the plants
and the creatures
that call it home.”
First Lines: “Once there stood a giant fir tree that stretched to the sun. One stormy day, a great gust came. The tree creaked…and cracked…and collapsed.”
Memorable Moments:
EVERYTHING
Evaluation:
This book is an ideal introduction for young readers learning about habitats. However, older readers could use it as a springboard for research or projects.
The narrative shows how a “dead” tree gets a second life as a nurse log. It begins in the spring of first year. The child-friendly multimedia illustrations show how different organisms quickly make their home in the nurse log. Fungi, lichens, liverwort, and much more join in the lively party in their new habitat. Then, the insects and animals are introduced that make this place to call home or to find food. Cute dialogue boxes for the different organisms keep this potentially dense topic lively and child-centered.
The story skips ahead 10 years and moves to the summer season. Now, lots of new organisms inhabit the log–from frogs who find a cool den in the hollowed parts to salamanders who slither in the hollows to hide.
It jumps three more times–to autumn in 100 years, winter in 500 years, and spring again in 1000 years. As a result, readers get a glimpse of the life cycle of a nurse tree in all the different seasons and through many centuries.
The narrative is a story of cause and effect. Because one group moves in, it attracts others. As the nurse log changes, so do the creatures and organisms that make a temporary or permanent home there. (Ideal crossover skill)
With so much ground being covered, it may seem like this book too comprehensive for children. Not to worry, Hevron does an excellent job keeping the log’s narrative light and readable. Everything from the pictures to the text are age appropriate.
Log Life is an amazing science picture book! It is geared for the elementary level, but it is so accessible, fascinating, and informative, readers of all ages will enjoy getting a look into this little known world.
Comparison: Create a Venn diagram comparing/contrasting this habitat with another habitat.
Causal: Use a graphic organizer to plot one or more causal relationships or a causal chain that occurs in this habitat.
Creative Writing: Write about log life from the perspective of one of the animals or organisms.
Research: Students can pick one of the creatures who make a nurse log home. Then, write a paper, fill in a graphic organizer, or create a SlideShow with the new information they found.
Art: Use a medium like a shoebox or small poster board to create a 3-dimensional or multi-media replica of one of the stages of the nurse log.
Reading: Also, read A Log's Life by Wendy Pfeffer. Compare and contrast the different depictions of this habitat. This paid TPT resource has 19 activities could accompany either or both books.
The cover immediately pulled me in. And the rest of the illustrations you're showing sealed the deal. I also want to take a closer look at how the author/illustrator demonstrates the passage time. I need to find this book! Thank you for the rec!
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