Pretty Tricky:
The Sneaky Ways Plants Survive
(Ages 7-11)
Click the images below to enlarge
Awards
Best informational picture books of 2020, Kirkus Reviews
Selected for the 2021 National Science Teachers Association and Children’s Book Council Outstanding Science Trade Books
Shortlisted for the 2021 Lane Anderson Award for Young Readers
About the Book
Have you ever thought of plants as tricky? Probably not. But in this nonfiction book, readers are introduced to the tricky techniques some plants use to defend themselves, reproduce, or acquire food. From the copycat Boquila vine that changes shape to match its host plant to the pungent carrion flower that lures pollinating flies with the scent of rotten meat, plants across the globe have adapted to survive all kinds of threatening fauna.
Each amazing plant adaptation is described through fact bubbles and easy-to-grasp blocks of text. End matter includes a list of sources for kids to explore, a glossary defining scientific terms, and an index.
Brought to life with eye-popping cut-paper collage illustrations, this book is a garden of knowledge that will leave kids with a better understanding of how living things adapt to their environments.
This book was illustrated by the talented Ashley Barron. Visit her website to learn more about her artwork.
Recommended 2021 Read
by the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association
I have a large garden where I marvel at the many shapes, colours and smells of my plants’ leaves and flowers. I also grow vegetables and herbs and love to watch the birds in the birdbath, the butterflies and bees gorging on nectar and yes, even a pesky rabbit who munches on clover but not on my green beans ever since I put chicken wire around them.
Tricky Activity
If you want to check out Etta's actual garden and try a not-too-tricky plant challenge at the same time, click here or click the image below. (Hints included!)
Reviews
“The layout is excellent, and the collages are extraordinary. For best results, start at the beginning, but read only one or two pages a day; there’s lots of information here.”
— Kirkus - Starred Review
“With interesting facts on every page and vibrant art full of lively scenery, one thing is certain: readers won’t look at plants the same way again.”
— Booklist - Starred Review
“Playful language and section headings make the informative text fun to read.”
— Youth Services Book Review ★ Starred Review
“This book is sure to captivate the imaginations of children and could easily be tied into the curriculum for ages 7 to 10.
— Green Teacher
“This non-fiction book is ideal for general science and biology classrooms everywhere, and it is perfect for designing student projects and in-class discussions about wildlife adaptations.” (Rated ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars)
— Seattle Book Review
“The introduction encourages readers to think about plants in ways never before considered.”
— Sal's Fiction Addiction
“The book provides enough information to interest readers in the topic without overwhelming them, and the lively and colourful illustrations bring the plants to life.”
— Canadian Review of Materials
“This fascinating non-fiction book will be a winner with kids and adults too…”
— Storywraps
“I was completely enamored by all of the facts within these pages, and I hope the young botanist in your life is as well.”
— The Tiny Activist
“I hands down LOVE this book. The introduction is so witty! Puns galore! And the illustrations are stunning.”
— Goodreads
“A fascinating introduction to plant adaptations and botany."
— This West Coast Mommy
“Kaner and Barron have crafted a beautiful collaboration celebrating a variety of plants...”
— Kiss the Book
AVAILABLE AT:
About the Book
Have you ever thought of plants as tricky? Probably not. But in this nonfiction book, readers are introduced to the tricky techniques some plants use to defend themselves, reproduce, or acquire food. From the copycat Boquila vine that changes shape to match its host plant to the pungent carrion flower that lures pollinating flies with the scent of rotten meat, plants across the globe have adapted to survive all kinds of threatening fauna.
Each amazing plant adaptation is described through fact bubbles and easy-to-grasp blocks of text. End matter includes a list of sources for kids to explore, a glossary defining scientific terms, and an index.
Brought to life with eye-popping cut-paper collage illustrations, this book is a garden of knowledge that will leave kids with a better understanding of how living things adapt to their environments.
This book was illustrated by the talented Ashley Barron. Visit her website to learn more about her artwork.
Recommended 2021 summer read
by the Canadian Independent Booksellers Association
Did You Know…
I have a large garden where I marvel at the many shapes, colours and smells of my plants’ leaves and flowers. I also grow vegetables and herbs and love to watch the birds in the birdbath, the butterflies and bees gorging on nectar and yes, even a pesky rabbit who munches on clover but not on my green beans ever since I put chicken wire around them.
Tricky Activity
If you want to check out Etta's actual garden and try a not-too-tricky plant challenge at the same time, click here or click the image below. (Hints included!)
REVIEWS:
“The layout is excellent, and the collages are extraordinary. For best results, start at the beginning, but read only one or two pages a day; there’s lots of information here.”
— Kirkus ★ Starred Review
“With interesting facts on every page and vibrant art full of lively scenery, one thing is certain: readers won’t look at plants the same way again.”
— Booklist ★ Starred Review
“Playful language and section headings make the informative text fun to read.”
— Youth Services Book Review ★ Starred Review
“This book is sure to captivate the imaginations of children and could easily be tied into the curriculum for ages 7 to 10.
— Green Teacher
“This non-fiction book is ideal for general science and biology classrooms everywhere, and it is perfect for designing student projects and in-class discussions about wildlife adaptations.” (Rated ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ 5/5 stars)
— Seattle Book Review
“The book provides enough information to interest readers in the topic without overwhelming them, and the lively and colourful illustrations bring the plants to life.”
— Canadian Review of Materials
“The introduction encourages readers to think about plants in ways never before considered.”
— Sal's Fiction Addiction
“This fascinating non-fiction book will be a winner with kids and adults too…”
— Storywraps
“I was completely enamored by all of the facts within these pages, and I hope the young botanist in your life is as well.”
— The Tiny Activist
“I hands down LOVE this book. The introduction is so witty! Puns galore! And the illustrations are stunning.”
— Goodreads
“A fascinating introduction to plant adaptations and botany."
— This West Coast Mommy
“Kaner and Barron have crafted a beautiful collaboration celebrating a variety of plants...”
— Kiss the Book
Awards
★ Best informational picture books of 2020, Kirkus Reviews
★ Selected for the 2021 National Science Teachers Association and Children’s Book Council Outstanding Science Trade Books
★ Shortlisted for the 2021 Lane Anderson Award for Young Readers
AVAILABLE AT: