Caves

by Nell Cross Beckerman, Kalen Chock (Illustrator)

Overview

A masterful exploration of one of nature's most curious ecosystems, Caves is a magical journey into subterranean wonders perfect for fans of Jason Chin.

In the shade of the woods is a hill with a hole. Beaconing black. Goosebump chills. Excitement and fear battle. What will win? You want to go in...do you dare?

Using evocative storytelling, Nell Cross Beckerman urges children to explore one of nature's most curious ecosystems. Dramatic, poetic language guides kids through different caves around the world while nonfiction text allows for deeper understanding.

Debut illustrator Kalen Chock's stunning illustrations will astonish readers, as each new page brings another delightful surprise.

Extensive backmatter includes an author's note, best practices for safe cave exploration, and additional information about the caves featured in the book.

An ideal choice for nature lovers, future explorers, and fans of Jason Chin and Kate Messner.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781338848380
Publisher:	Scholastic, Inc.
Publication date:	10/04/2022
Sold by:	Scholastic, Inc.
Format:	eBook
Pages:	40
File size:	74 MB
Note:	This product may take a few minutes to download.
Age Range:	4 - 8 Years

About the Author

Nell Cross Beckerman writes books for children to inspire wonder and celebrate adventure. A former reality/documentary TV producer, she is the author of the acclaimed book Caves, which received three starred reviews. She is also the author of Down Under the Pier, When the Sky Glows, and more to come. Nell lives in Culver City, California, with her husband, two daughters, and their beloved pooch, Teddy. Visit her at NellCrossBeckerman.com.
Kalen Chock is a senior concept artist working in video games, feature animation, and film for over 10 years. He has worked for studios like EA/Glu Mobile, DreamWorks, Warner Bros, The Mill, Ember Lab, and ILM. He is the illustrated of the acclaimed book Caves, by Nell Cross Beckerman.

Editorial Reviews

Praise for Caves:

2023 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children – Recommended Title

2023 NCTE Notable Children’s Books in the Language Arts Award List

Kirkus Best Book of the Year

New York Public Library Best Book of 2022

Bank Street Books Best Book

"Shadowy spaces beckon in Chock's powerfully atmospheric illustrations...an observation that the floors of some lava tubes in Australia are flat enough for wheelchairs makes Beckerman's invitation even more inclusive. Tantalizing glimpses of hidden natural treasures, with breathtaking art." —Kirkus Reviews

(starred review)

"Would-be spelunkers and those who would never consider a trip into a cave have the potential to be launched on a lifelong journey of discovery into the amazing world of caves as depicted in this excellent title. Highly recommended for all library collections."—School Library Journal (starred review)

"Cross Beckerman injects genuine passion into this nonfiction examination of caves...In a striking picture book debut...Chock combines realistic-looking rock surfaces with softly shaded adult and child figures overwhelmed by the natural features. ...Together, text and artwork deliver a high-impact introduction to the lure of caves." —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"A compelling combination of lyrical, mysterious text and illustrated scenes...digitally created artwork lends a visceral experience to the reading. ...appealing."—Booklist

From the Publisher

09/01/2022

Gr 1–4—Curiosity can lead to some interesting places. Cross Beckerman shares her curiosity for caves and opens up her discoveries of what's hiding in those dark places with young readers. Big, beautiful, and colorful artwork showcases cave systems around the globe, such as the Lascaux Cave in France and its ancient drawings, the Glowworm Grotto of Waitomo Caves in New Zealand, and the massive bat colony of Bracken Cave in Texas. The book invites young readers to explore—safely—the wonder of caves, while also introducing future spelunkers to the rules and equipment of exploring. Over the book's 40 pages, the text vacillates between carefully styled, almost lyrical prose and informative blocks of text. Such a reading is an exciting way to engage with the rhythm of the story, but also there is an opportunity to craft a particular takeaway of the book: an artful cave-reading experience or an information-focused track. VERDICT Whether for pleasure or for research, this is a wonderful book to get lost in.—Jessica Schriver

School Library Journal

★ 2022-07-27
An invitation to share some of the world’s speleological wonders.

Lit by the flashlights of small visitors, huge, rugged, shadowy spaces beckon in Chock’s powerfully atmospheric illustrations as Beckerman’s accompanying mix of free-verse commentary and blocks of explanations in smaller type turn general impressions into specific sites and sights. Among the latter are the dazzling tangle of giant selenite crystals in Mexico’s Cueva de los Cristales, ancient cave paintings at Lascaux in France, an immense underwater cave system in Florida, and (for truly courageous adventurers) the “silently squirming ceiling” of glowworms in New Zealand’s Waitomo Caves. The author also pays particular tribute to the group of women who ventured into the constricted reaches (judged too narrow for men) of South Africa’s Rising Star cave system to uncover fossils of a new prehistoric cousin, Homo naledi. All around the world caves are waiting “for / wondering, / wandering / explorers / like you,” she concludes. “Do you dare?” For those who might, the book closes with lists of safety rules and recommended caving gear. Tiny spelunkers in the art are nearly all bundled up and facing away from viewers, but some at least are plainly children, and an observation that the floors of some lava tubes in Australia are flat enough for wheelchairs makes Beckerman’s invitation even more inclusive. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Tantalizing glimpses of hidden natural treasures, with breathtaking art. (cave facts, author’s and illustrator’s notes, photos) (Informational picture book. 7-9)

Kirkus Reviews