Janet (Kloeckner) Halfmann’s recent book, “Star of the Sea: A Day in the Life of a Starfish,” has been named a 2012 Outstanding Science Trade Book for Students K-12.
The award is given by The National Science Teachers Association (NSTA), in collaboration with the Children’s Book Council.
In its review NSTA said: “The book’s narration is full of descriptive phrases that paint a minds-eye picture of the daily life of a starfish in its natural environment. For example, “Beneath the crashing waves, another kind of star clings to the rocks with hundreds of sticky tube feet.” The words set the stage for the visual imagery of the life of a starfish. The illustrations show the large view of a starfish as well as close-up images of its tube feet. The blend of words and art provides young readers with accurate scientific information and will inspire wonder in their minds.”
“Star of the Sea” is published by Henry Holt/Christy Ottaviano Books for children ages 5-9. The book is also a School Library Guild Selection.
Halfmann is the author of more than 30 children’s books, including “Good Night, Little Sea Otter,” “Fur and Feathers,” “Little Skink’s Tail,” and “Seven Miles to Freedom: The Robert Smalls Story.” She grew up on a farm in rural St. Johns and now lives in Wisconsin.
Signed copies of “Star of the Sea,” along with several of Halfmann’s other books, are available at the Clinton County Art Gallery in downtown St. Johns. Her books also are available in area bookstores and online.
For more information:
http://www.nsta.org/pdfs/2012OSTBList.pdf
http://us.macmillan.com/starofthesea/JanetHalfmann
http://www.janethalfmann.com/star-of-the-sea