(Ask Dr. K. Fisher Series)
By Claire Llewellyn
Illustrator Kate Sheppard
2009, Kingfisher, Macmillan Books
Review by Debra Louise Scott
This is a very cute book about earth sciences written as letters to Dr. Kingfisher from animals around the world. Dr. K (who is in fact a Kingfisher bird) answers the letters with explanations about what is happening and why the earth does what it does. (see example below) After a couple similar letters there is a page with more information about things like mountains, rivers and climate.
The inside flap has a small envelope with a letter from Dr. K. Fisher with his letterhead and address (not a real address) that invites troubled animals to write to him with their questions. The questions in the book are shown as if a postcard or letter and envelope. Some show a postage cancelled stamp with sender’s origin, i.e. “the desert”. The answers are all shown on Dr. K’s letterhead with his signature and talon print. The back of the book has a glossary of some of the more difficult terms used and an index to the things that are explained.
Dr. K. also gives his Top Tips, i.e. “Rivers can carry big stones. Water animals, DO watch out for these when you are swimming.”
This is probably one of the most ingenious and delightful science books I have seen. The illustrations show the animals caught up in the emotions of their letters giving another level of interest for the child. At the moment, there are six books in the series. It would be enjoyed by any youngster with an inquisitive mind.
Letter example:
Here’s a snake that’s feeling shaky
Warning signs?
Dear Dr. K. Fisher,
I’m a viper, and I’m feeling uneasy. This week, as I’ve been moving through the forest, I’ve felt vibrations in the ground that seem to warn me of danger. The other animals haven’t mentioned this, so maybe I’m imagining things. Please can you advise me?
Something’s Wrong,
In the forest
Dear Something’s Wrong,
Snakes are sensitive creatures, so I suspect you are feeling small movements called tremors from deep underground. Our planet is not as solid as it seems. Its crust is broken up into slabs called plates, which float on the hot, melted rock below. In places where two plates meet, they can jolt one another. This causes earthquakes, which make the ground shake or even crack wide open. Some earthquakes are fairly gentle, but to be safe, find a strong tree and take shelter there.
Good luck!
Dr. K. Fisher
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