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Author: Marianne Berkes Illustrator: Jennifer DiRubbio
Retail Price:Paperback • $8.95 | Hardback • $16.95 By foot, fin, and wing, many animals migrate “home,” sometimes over very long distances. They have no maps. They may skip many meals. Why do they do it? How do they find their way? For the migrating animals, their story is one of determination and accomplishment. For us, their story is one of mystery and admiration. A “Tips from the Author” section offers additional educational opportunities as once again Marianne Berkes combines her teaching, writing, and theatrical skills to combine entertainment with education. Illustrator Jennifer DiRubbio brings a clear, dynamic style to this, her sixth book for Dawn Publications. |
“A creative-nonfiction look at animal migration. Each spread focuses on one animal, describing both its journey and the reason behind it – the change of season, to give birth or to search for food and water. An additional paragraph rounds out the information presented in the rhyming verses . . . The animals include a good mix of fauna from land, sea and air, and many will be familiar to readers. A final spread combines the migration routes of all the animals on a map focused on North America. DiRubbio’s realistic artwork places each animal in its own environment, complete with the surrounding colors and flora. While highlighting the individual animal “speaking” in the verses, she also depicts whether the animal is usually a part of a herd or solitary. Extensive backmatter features more facts about migration, a paragraph of further information about each animal, some activity ideas from the author including another example of creative-nonfiction writing and a list of resources for learning more about the animals presented. A solid introductory look at animal migration in a form that the youngest readers will appreciate.”
— Kirkus Reviews (April 2010)
“Teachers especially will welcome this poetic look at animal migration patterns. Ten critters, ranging from Canada geese to caribou and loggerhead turtles, celebrate their “going home” with a rhyme, a small paragraph of information, and a colorful, realistic illustration spreading across facing pages. A large map helps readers follow migratory patterns, and a closing section contains a look at the “mystery” of migration, further data on the creatures in focus, and a handy-dandy passel of suggestions, such as to “Write Your Own Story” about an animal not included in this book. Similar in scope to Berkes’s Over in the Arctic (2008) and Over in the Jungle (2007, both Dawn), the book is a pleasant way to tie creative writing and natural history in a simple package.”
— School Library Journal (May 2010)
“A winning combination of verse, factual language, and beautiful illustrations that describe the mysterious migration patterns of animals from loggerhead turtles to monarch butterflies to ruby-throated hummingbird to caribou. Resources at the end of the book include websites to learn more about the featured animals, and several lesson and activity ideas for educators.”
— ForeWord Reviews – Teresa Scollon – (March/April 2010)
All of Mariannes’s books are delightful but “Going Home” is a favorite of mine. As a retired teacher, I particularly appreciate the authentic science background and related activities and projects included. This makes it appropriate for children of a wide age and interest span. The book is also lots of fun!
Jean McAdam
I am looking forward to using Going Home in my library story times on hibernation and migration. Up until now there wasn’t much out there on the topic for young children. Marianne conveys so much with such economy, and her rhyme scheme works very well. Well done!
Melissa Causey
Wow! Love it! I always like to get bang for my buck and I did with this book. As a teacher and/or media specialist there is so much that can be done with this book. It can be geared up or down for various grade levels. The rhyme is great: good writing sample. It is a good book for a readers theater, which we did at our school. This book can be easily tied into science as it makes for a super introduction to migration, specific animals and instincts. Math and mapping activities can be used in figuring how far and where each animal travels. On and on I can go. Marianne always packs her books with facts as well as teachers’ resources and tips. You won’t be disappointed! Did I mention how gorgeous the pictures are?
I definitely enjoyed reading Going Home and would recommend it as well as give it as a gift.
Marianne Berkes visited Gardendale Elementary Magnet School in Brevard County. Her presentation with our fourth through sixth grade students included a wonderful reading of her “Going Home” book on animal migration. A number of sixth grade students each read a page of the story while the audience viewed the illustrations. Ms. Berkes provided factual information after each student read. This was a very effective presentation that held everyone’s interest. The book opens up conversations from kindergarteners to sixth graders. Everyone has something to say about each of the animals! We really enjoyed her visit!