Nora Nickum

A wonderfully clever concept, sturdy and creative execution. Opposite (or at least distinct) types of holes are paired on each double page spread ("A hole can form slowly...or quickly"; "a hole can be tiny...or enormous"), with secondary text providing much more detail. From the eye of a needle to the hole in an airplane window, meerkat burrows to potholes, there are examples aplenty. The last few pages include English language expressions (loophole, pigeonhole, hole in one, square peg in a round hole, etc.), a page on black holes, and further reading.… (meer)

Booktalk: "This is a picture of the Southern Resident orca whales who swim in the Salish Sea between Washington state and Canada. In 2005 there were 82 orca whales. This year they are down to 75. This makes them an endangered species. Their survival is affected by boat noise, water pollution, climate change and not enough of their favorite food, Chinook salmon, because the Chinook salmon is also an endangered species. It pains me to know the orcas are suffering. I wish I could jump into the water and save the orcas myself. But I can’t. What I can do is help other people learn more about the orca whales. So, if you read no other book this summer, I urge you to read this. If you love animals, if you love whales, if you’re concerned about climate change and healing the planet, read this book. The more people know what’s going on with the orcas, the more we can help them survive and thrive."… (meer)