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Books of the Week: February 7th, 2025

February 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Such a fun book!

The Collective Book Studio is thrilled to announce the release of Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest by Alexandra Claire, (The Collective Book Studio / January 2025 / Hardcover: $7.99 / ISBN: 9781685550530) a delightful board book that brings the magic of the forest to life for young readers. Designed for early learners and nature enthusiasts aged 0-4, this charming book combines vibrant imagery with sweet, rhythmic rhymes to captivate little adventurers.

From the first light of dawn to the calm of evening, children will follow playful woodland critters—including foxes, squirrels, rabbits, and bears—as they explore their forest home. Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest offers a heartwarming glimpse into the daily lives of these adorable creatures, making it an ideal addition to bedtime routines.

This beautifully crafted board book engages young children with gentle rhymes and vivid, authentic illustrations that bring the forest and its baby animals to life. Its premium design—featuring durable matte lamination and eye-catching spot gloss varnish on the cover—ensures it will be treasured for years.

Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest is the perfect gift for baby showers and birthdays, a keepsake book that is a thoughtful way to introduce children to the wonders of nature.

“This book is a joyful tribute to the wonders of the great outdoors and the incredible creatures that call it home,” says Angela Engel, owner and publisher at The Collective Book Studio. “With its vivid illustrations and captivating, lyrical storytelling, Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest sparks curiosity and inspires young readers to connect with the beauty of the natural world. We’re thrilled to bring this enchanting book to life.”

Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy bedtime moment, Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest is sure to become a family favorite. The book’s stunning photography and playful rhymes make it a must-have for every young nature lover’s library.

About the Author:

Alexandra Claire attended UCLA, earning a degree in English Literature. She has a deep love of learning and teaching and created a series of books to gently introduce young children to their very first letters and numbers in a fun and interactive manner. She is also the author of Baby Animals First 123 Book; Animal Adventures: Day at the Farm; and Little Chunkies: Animals in the Forest: With Adorable Animals to Touch and Discover. She lives in Bonita, California, with her two young children, who are both avid readers and artists.

Animal Adventures: Day in the Forest is available now at retail and online outlets.

About The Collective Book Studio

The Collective Book Studio is a woman-owned independent publisher dedicated to producing high-quality books that inspire, entertain, and educate. Known for their beautifully designed and curated titles, The Collective Book Studio connects readers with stories that matter, making their books ideal for gifts and personal collections alike.

The Collective Book Studio’s books are distributed by Simon & Schuster, a global leader in general interest publishing, dedicated to providing the best in fiction and nonfiction for readers of all ages. For more information, visit www.simonandschuster.com.

All-new chapter book series from Good Dog author Cam Higgins called Ratnip

Kids will love the all-new chapter book series from Good Dog author Cam Higgins called Ratnip! This series follows a loveable rat on his adventures and hijinks through the city he calls home. The series is launching with TWO illustrated books on February 4th, called, Ratnip Lost and Found in the City and Ratnip Pizza Dreams Do Come True. Both of which come out just in time for National Pizza Day on February 9th, because nothing goes together quite like Pizza and Rats especially since the viral Pizza Rat video is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2025!

Follow Ratnip as he goes dumpster diving to return lost items to their rightful owners in book #1, and as he makes a mess while sneaking into an abandon pizza parlor to make pizza in book #2.

Both books are so much fun to read! Ratnip is just a really fun character that children will love!

In the illustrated chapter book, Ratnip Lost and Found in the City, by Cam Higgins (out: 02/04/25) readers will get to meet Ratnip the rat, and see how he lives in the City. Where Ratnip lives there’s always plenty of food to eat if you know the right places to find them. Dumpster diving isn’t just for finding food, though, it’s also for discovering knick-knacks and adventure! And tonight, Ratnip is on a very special mission to return treasure to its rightful owner. But will he make it home before sunrise? Readers will have to find out more in the first book of this heartwarming series.

The second illustrated chapter book, which is perfect for National Pizza Day on 2/9, Ratnip Pizza Dreams Do Come True by Cam Higgins (out:02/04/25). Readers will join Ratnip inside his home in an abandoned pizza parlor, where one night he has a massive craving for pizza. Ratnip can’t seem to find so much as a single leftover crust in the trash. There’s only one thing to do- make your own pizzas! This book offers a well-crafted and imaginative story, all while maintaining the fun of an enjoyable delicious adventure.

Perfect for young children ages 5-9.

A Thrilling New Adventure Unfolds in James Ponti’s CITY SPIES #6: LONDON CALLING

James Ponti’s highly anticipated CITY SPIES #6: LONDON CALLING (on sale February 4, 2025). This thrilling addition to the New York Times bestselling City Spies series is perfect for fans of action-packed mysteries and smart, heartfelt storytelling!

Coming in hot off the launch of James Ponti’s newest series, The Sherlock Society (9/3/24), LONDON CALLING takes the City Spies team on a dramatic mission across Rome, Istanbul, and their new home base in London. Brimming with high-stakes intrigue, humor, and heart, this fast-paced adventure is packed with edge-of-your-seat suspense and fun contemporary references that will resonate with readers of all ages.

MORE ABOUT THE BOOK:

Cairo, the newest member of the City Spies, takes the lead when his sister disappears in Istanbul. Determined to save the family of one of their own, the team risks discovery as their search leads them to Rome. Meanwhile, there’s been intel that seems to threaten the royal wedding about to take place in Westminster, bringing the team back to the UK on an official case for MI6. With so much security all over the city, it’s harder than ever for the City Spies to go unnoticed. Will their skills be up to the task?

ABOUT JAMES PONTI:

James Ponti is the New York Times bestselling author of four middle grade book series: The Sherlock Society following a group of young detectives; City Spies, about an unlikely squad of five kids from around the world who form an elite MI6 Spy Team; the Edgar Award–winning Framed! series, about a pair of tweens who solve mysteries in Washington, DC; and the Dead City trilogy, about a secret society that polices the undead living beneath Manhattan. His books have appeared on more than fifteen different state award lists, and he is the founder of a writers group known as the Renegades of Middle Grade. James is also an Emmy–nominated television writer and producer who has worked for many networks including Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, PBS, History, and Spike TV, as well as NBC Sports. He lives with his family in Orlando, Florida. Find out more at JamesPonti.com.

Celebrate Lunar New Year with Why We Eat Fried Peanuts (January 2025, becker&mayer! kids), a story of ancestral bravery that teaches young readers about Chinese history, language and food.

Why We Eat Fried Peanuts: A Celebration of Family and Lunar New Year Traditions by Zed Zha, illustrated by Sian James, invites readers to join Mèng, a Chinese American girl, as she prepares for the Lunar New Year with her family. Through Mèng’s conversation with her father, children will learn about the rich significance of ancestral stories, the history of the Mandarin language, and the traditional foods that make the holiday so special. Mèng’s father shares the inspiring tale of Tài Nǎi Nai, Mèng’s great-grandmother, whose act of bravery a century ago left a lasting legacy and offers timeless lessons for today’s generation. As Mèng learns, food plays a vital role in the celebration, with fried peanuts serving as a special snack tied to the family’s traditions. The story concludes with a simple, fun recipe for fried peanuts, offering a hands-on way for readers to bring the spirit of the Lunar New Year into their own homes.

About the author:

Zed Zha is a first-generation immigrant from China and an important voice for change in the AAPI space. Zed’s medical career and patient advocacy for people of color has garnered her a following on social media, but so has her personal writing. As a Chinese American, she is passionate about telling stories about ancestry and traditions. Zed lives in Yakima, WA with her family and you can follow her online at zedzha.com and @DrZedZha.

Self Disclosure: I received free copies of the above books to feature. Cover images and information were also provided.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

A New Home for Cape Vultures Opens at the L.A. Zoo

February 7, 2025 By Leave a Comment
Photo Credit: The Los Angeles Zoo

The Los Angeles Zoo is announcing the opening of its new Cape vulture exhibit that will bring the species back for public viewing in a habitat specifically designed to replicate their natural range. Guests can see the “committee” – the name for a group of vultures – of seven birds in the Animals of Africa section of the Zoo beginning Feb. 6.

“This was an unused exhibit that has been fully renovated to meet the needs of this species. It gives guests an up-close look at this African vulture and how they live and behave,” said Denise Verret, Los Angeles Zoo CEO and Zoo Director. “The new space will undoubtedly help Angelenos continue to foster a deeper connection to wildlife and an appreciation for a species that plays a vital role in the environment.”

The L.A. Zoo has cared for Cape vultures since 1985. Guests have been able to see Cape vultures soaring over the Zoo in the Angela Collier World of Birds Show. The new exhibit space allows a closer look at their roosting, nesting, and social interactions among the members of the committee.

“This habitat incorporates elements that are specifically designed for the species like colony nesting nooks in the rock wall, and ample room for sunbathing,” said Rose Legato, Curator of Birds, L.A. Zoo. “Not only does it put the birds’ natural behaviors on full display, the design showcases the high priority that the Zoo places on animal care and wellbeing. I’m excited for our guests to experience the space and observe this special vulture.”

The new Cape vulture habitat was made possible by a $3 million gift from the Fritz B. Burns Foundation and additional support from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife.  Plaques recognizing the generous donations adorn the facade of the viewing pavilion.

Cape vultures are named for their South African range which includes the Cape region. Like other vulture species, they are carrion feeders. By swooping in to remove dead animal remains, they act as nature’s “clean-up crew,” disposing of large carcasses that could carry diseases like rabies, botulism, or anthrax. They can digest meat in any stage of decay, and strong immune systems allow them to safely eat dangerous pathogens that would sicken or kill other animals.

The Cape vulture is a large bird with a wingspan of up to eight and a half feet. It stands at about three feet tall and weighs 15 to 24 pounds. This scavenger has a sharp, hooked beak designed to tear flesh and large feet to hold down carcasses while eating. Its primarily white feathers have taupe tips at the wing and tail, and its fleshy head is a complementary gray. As an Old World vulture, the Cape is more closely related to eagles and hawks than to New World vultures like turkey vultures and California condors.

The species is categorized as “Vulnerable” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and, like many vultures, they continue to be threatened by human activities including hunting, poisoning, habitat fragmentation and loss, and climate change. The Los Angeles Zoo has a long, successful history working with this species and has produced more Cape vulture offspring than any other AZA accredited facility. The Zoo is a proud partner in the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) Saving Animals from Extinction (SAFE) program for African Vultures. The program aims to address the threat of poisoning, monitor wild populations, and increase knowledge and awareness of African vultures across broader communities.

Guests can see the Cape vultures in their new home in the Animals of Africa section of the L.A. Zoo daily, beginning Feb. 6.

About the Los Angeles Zoo
The Los Angeles Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is dedicated to providing exemplary animal care and wellbeing. As a trusted leader in local and global conservation efforts, the Los Angeles Zoo is saving wildlife and connecting Angelenos to the natural world by delivering diverse learning opportunities and creating unforgettable experiences. The lush 133-acre campus and its passionate and dedicated team welcomes all to be inspired by the Zoo’s vision to create a just and sustainable world where people and wildlife thrive, together. The Zoo is located on Zoo Drive in Griffith Park at the junction of the Ventura (134) and Golden State (5) freeways. Admission is $22 for adults and $17 for children ages 2 to 12. For information, call (323) 644-4200 or visit the L.A. Zoo website at www.lazoo.org.

Filed Under: SoCal City Kids News