Review: What to Expect When You're Expecting Hatchlings by Bridget Heos

SUMMARY FROM NETGALLEY.COM:

Congratulations, crocodilian parents-to-be! You have little ones on the way. They're called hatchlings. Read this book to find out where to lay your eggs, how you'll know when the babies are ready to hatch, and what you and your babies will do all day long. Whether you're an alligator, caiman, crocodile, or even a funny-looking gharial, you'll find answers to all your parenting questions here. But there's one condition: don't eat the book!

MY TAKE:

What drew me to this book is the title.

Imagine What to Expect When You're Expecting that's targeted to crocodiles and you get an idea of What to Expect When You're Expecting Hatchlings is about. However, while the former book is meant for new parents, this book is for kids to learn about crocodilians. Parents can opt to read this with their younger kids, or older kids can read it by themselves and ask their parents if they have any questions.

I thought this was a great concept. Taking a familiar concept (What to Expect) and spinning it into something fresh and meant for a younger audience is genius. There are a lot of facts here that might be new not only to kids but also to parents. Bonus: the drawings of the baby crocodiles are really cute. :)

Thanks to NetGalley and Millbrook Press for the e-ARC. Publication date for What to Expect When You're Expecting Hatchlings is on April 1, 2012.

THE GOOD:

1. It's a smart book and concept.
2. Cute illustrations.
3. Parents and kids will both learn something new.

THE BAD:

1. Some kids might find it boring.

FAVORITE QUOTE/S:

For many species, if your eggs are very warm, your hatchlings will be males. If they're cooler, they'll be females.

READ IT IF:

1. You have a curious child.
2. You like learning new things.
3. You want something you can read to your friends.

RATING:

SOUNDS INTERESTING?