Lifetimes - Softcover

Rice, David L.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1883220599 ISBN 13: 9781883220594

Publisher: Dawn Publications, 1997

Synopsis

Teachers and parents, this book is an outstanding teaching resource, much more than the title might suggest. Beginning with: A lifetime for a mayfly is about one day, it presents 24 lifetimes such as that of an earthworm (about six years), a giant sequoia (about 2,000 years), a bacteria (well, that depends), a dinosaur (never again) and the universe (about 15 to 20 billion years). Each example comes with detailed illustrations and something to ponder, such as, for earthworms: Worms teach us that our work can be very important, even if it cannot be seen. Each plant or animal is practically a lesson plan in itself, with tell about it, think about it, and look it up challenges. Written by a retired teacher, this is a favorite book for children and teachers alike. A 48-page teachers guide based on the book is available (sold separately).

About this title

About the Author:

When David Rice was seven years old, he observed a small dog trying to wake its mother which had been killed by a passing car. As he watched the grieving puppy's vain attempts, he was struck by the depth of sadness and pain. David's lifelong interest in feelings - both animal and human - comes through in his books, Do Animals Have Feelings Too?, Lifetimes and Because Brian Hugged His Mother. Lifetimes introduces some of nature's longest, shortest and most unusual lifetimes and the lessons we can learn from them. Because Brian Hugged His Mother shows how a chain reaction of kindness can spread through a whole school and community as a result of a single hug. David Rice is retired elementary and special education teacher, currently residing in southern California.

Michael S. Maydak is a professional artist whose love for wildlife provides the inspiration for his artwork. He has illustrated three books for Dawn Publications: A Drop Around the World, Lifetimes, and Salmon Stream (Spring 2001). He is a resident of Cool, California.

From Kirkus Reviews:

Old age is relative, depending on one's life span; a mayfly whose lifetime lasts one day reaches geezerhood by the time the sun sets. Rice allows readers to compare Earth's residents by their life lines, from the short-lived mayfly to the 2,000-year- old sequoia tree. Included also are the time spans of the Earth, the sun, and the universe--cosmic references that dwarf human life spans. Every page includes brief information about the life form profiled set against a realistic, full-color painting. Notes at the bottom of each page--``Tell about It,'' Think about It,'' and ``Look it Up''--provide dogmatic suggestions for readers to follow for further information. More intrusive are rationales for each creature's existence, e.g., ``Army ants show us that if everyone works together, we can do almost anything.'' The author's attempt to show the relevance of every species in strictly human terms often leads to sentimental statements or morals (``Venus flytraps remind us that things are not always as good as they first seem to be'') and limit the otherwise provocative and useful facts about lifetimes. (Nonfiction. 5-12) -- Copyright ©1997, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

About this edition

• Publisher: Dawn Publications
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 1883220599
• ISBN 13: 9781883220594
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 32