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 Down Under the Pier, When the Sky Glows, and more to come. Nell lives in Culver City, CA with her husband, two daughters, and their beloved pooch, Teddy. Visit her at NellCrossBeckerman.com for activities, events, and to learn even more about caves!
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. Caves is his picture book debut.
Product Description
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.
From School Library Journal
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 Schriverα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review
Praise for Caves:
2023 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award for Outstanding Nonfiction for Children – Recommended Title
Kirkus Best Book of the Year
New York Public Library Best Book of 2022
"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 glimpes of hidden natural treasures, with breakthaking 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 overwhlemed by the natural features. ...Together, text and artwork deliver a high-impact introduction to the lure of caves." --Publishers Weekly (starred
