Books with author Karen Patkau

In this lively companion to Creatures Great and Small, author and illustrator Karen Patkau transports the reader to prehistoric times, when many creatures existed that have since disappeared. From the worlds of insects, fish, mammals, sea jellies, reptiles, amphibians, birds, crustaceans, arachnids, and mollusks, she presents living animals and their prehistoric ancestors. Meet Diplodocus and Skylark; Cameroceras and Blue-Ringed Octopus; Brontoscorpio and Fat-Tailed Scorpio; and learn what links them across the ages. Scientists obtain clues from fossils about how these prehistoric creatures looked and lived, and Karen Patkau examines many of them in this fascinating look at extinct and present-day species. Captivating text in the voices of the animals themselves is complemented by the vibrant illustrations, map endpapers, glossary, geological timeline, and chart of the history of life, making this fact-filled book a welcome addition to any home or school library, where a budding scientist can happily explore.

Tundra introduces the first three books in its important new ecosystems series. Each title celebrates the world’s diversity by presenting a different ecosystem: its land and water, its animals and plants. The art is brimming with creatures and ecological features, described in fact-filled notes at the end of each book and in a useful glossary and map. Swamps are often seen as a dangerous and useless. They are often drained to create farmland or to reduce diseases. But such measures can be disastrous. Who Needs a Swamp? explores wetlands and their importance in the food chain and in preserving our soil and clean water. Not only is each book informative and beautiful, but it is a call to action for everybody who cares about the world in which we live.

Karen Patkau takes readers on an amazing voyage of discovery to find out • How wild and rugged prairies become grasslands • Why prairie inhabitants depend on each other and their surroundings • What wildlife and plants thrive in large open spaces • How seasons and weather conditions affect life on the prairies • How fire restores the land • What life is like on the Great Plains • How a food chain forms • How some prairie plants protect the land • Why we need prairies

Tundra introduces the first three books in its important new ecosystems series. Each title celebrates the world’s diversity by presenting a different ecosystem: its land and water, its animals and plants. The art is brimming with creatures and ecological features, described in fact-filled notes at the end of each book and in a useful glossary and map. Who Needs an Iceberg? The Arctic ecosystem is changing rapidly. The Arctic Ice Cap is melting, the habitat for the creatures that live in the north is shrinking, and the earth is warming up. The impact is enormous for all of us.Not only is each book informative and beautiful, but it is a call to action for everybody who cares about the world in which we live.

Karen Patkau takes readers on an amazing voyage of discovery to find out • How coral reefs form • Why coral reefs bustle and teem with life • Why there are more kinds of living things on coral reefs than anywhere else in the sea • What the types of hard corals are • Which plants and animals attach themselves to coral reefs • How coral reefs protect shorelines • How coral reefs help develop natural harbors and beaches • Where the coral reef areas of the world are • Why we need coral reefs

Karen Patkau takes readers on an amazing voyage of discovery to find out • How deserts are formed • Where deserts are found • How plants and animals adapt to the severe environment • What wildlife thrives there • Which plants bloom under the blazing sun • How desert plants and animals get energy and food • What happens in the rainy seasons • Why desert land becomes barren • Why we need deserts

A lushly illustrated book full of fun read-aloud sounds for the youngest dinosaur fans Deep in the forest is a nest full of eggs. But what could be inside? With picks, pokes, pops, and wriggles a gaggle of baby dinosaurs hatch. They are quick to scamper and scramble about under mother Triceratops’ watchful eye, but could danger lurk in the forest for the little dinos? With mother’s fierce protection to keep them safe, the little dinosaurs can settle in for a well-needed nap. Full of onomatopoeic text that will delight young listeners and readers alike, this fun and frolicsome story from lauded visual artist and author Karen Patkau abounds with glorious color.

Tundra introduces the first three books in its important new ecosystems series. Each title celebrates the world’s diversity by presenting a different ecosystem: its land and water, its animals and plants. The art is brimming with creatures and ecological features, described in fact-filled notes at the end of each book and in a useful glossary and map. Jungles are treasures for all of us, regardless of where we live. In Who Needs a Jungle? we learn about its vital role in providing us with oxygen, food, medicinal ingredients, and raw materials we use every day. Not only is each book informative and beautiful, but it is a call to action for everybody who cares about the world in which we live.

In this lively companion to Creatures Great and Small, author and illustrator Karen Patkau transports the reader to prehistoric times, when many creatures existed that have since disappeared. From the worlds of insects, fish, mammals, sea jellies, reptiles, amphibians, birds, crustaceans, arachnids, and mollusks, she presents living animals and their prehistoric ancestors. Meet Diplodocus and Skylark; Cameroceras and Blue-Ringed Octopus; Brontoscorpio and Fat-Tailed Scorpio; and learn what links them across the ages. Scientists obtain clues from fossils about how these prehistoric creatures looked and lived, and Karen Patkau examines many of them in this fascinating look at extinct and present-day species. Captivating text in the voices of the animals themselves is complemented by the vibrant illustrations, map endpapers, glossary, geological timeline, and chart of the history of life, making this fact-filled book a welcome addition to any home or school library, where a budding scientist can happily explore.

Join Toronto author and illustrator Karen Patkau as she explores the world of insects, mammals, sea jellies, reptiles, amphibians, birds, crustaceans, arachnids, and mollusks. From extremely large creatures, such as the blue whale, Chinese giant salamander, and goliath tarantula, to extremely small ones, such as the bumblebee bat, dwarf gecko, and fairy shrimp, embark on this informative, beautifully illustrated voyage of discovery. Even the simple fact-filled text is enchantingly presented in the voices of the animals themselves. A glossary, map endpapers, and handy charts — introducing the concepts of scale and proportion by comparing measurements of animals that are “Big” and “Really Big” to “Small” and “Really Small” — make this book a must-have for parents, schools, and libraries alike.

Join Toronto author and illustrator Karen Patkau as she explores the world of insects, mammals, sea jellies, reptiles, amphibians, birds, crustaceans, arachnids, and mollusks. From extremely large creatures, such as the blue whale, Chinese giant salamander, and goliath tarantula, to extremely small ones, such as the bumblebee bat, dwarf gecko, and fairy shrimp, embark on this informative, beautifully illustrated voyage of discovery. Even the simple fact-filled text is enchantingly presented in the voices of the animals themselves. A glossary, map endpapers, and handy charts — introducing the concepts of scale and proportion by comparing measurements of animals that are “Big” and “Really Big” to “Small” and “Really Small” — make this book a must-have for parents, schools, and libraries alike.