Cece Loves Science and Adventure

May 27, 2019
In a follow-up to Cece Loves Science, Derting and Johannes’s protagonist is a science lover who struggles with activities such as sewing, jewelry-making, and dance. (Harrison’s perky digital illustrations picture African-American Cece in a lab coat in her treehouse nook, microscope at-hand.) Cece prepares to go camping with her fellow Adventure Girls, her mother, and her dog Einstein. While hiking, Cece eyes the skies when dark clouds gather and her mother’s GPS fails. Recalling her science teacher Ms. Curie’s meteorology lesson (“Mom, I think a storm is coming”), Cece helps the campers find their way to the campsite. Derting and Johannes model the practical uses of STEM a touch heavy-handedly, but this volume continues to build out their worthy message about girls embracing science. Ages 4–8.

June 1, 2019

K-Gr 3-Readers see Cece's scientific bent on the opening spread where she wears a lab coat and safety goggles, but they also learn that she enjoys earning Adventure Girl pins. Her attempts to earn previous pins offer humorous moments, such as when "the dance lesson totally tripped her up" or the sewing challenge "had her in stitches." A troop outing gives Cece and her friends a chance to earn their camping pins as the girls head out to the park with their leader and mascot (Cece's mom and her dog Einstein). When a sudden storm causes some difficulties, the girls use teamwork to salvage their camping trip. The story shows how STEM skills mesh together in a problem situation with each discipline playing an integral part of the solution. Warm illustrations show the adventurers creating a map to their campsite, taking a selfie, and other memorable moments. The array of adept female characters are sure to become reader favorites, as will Einstein. Back matter includes a list of "Cece's Science Facts," which explain some of the terms and concepts like time stamp and GPS. VERDICT A wonderful book for fans of Ada Twist; it is also perfect for a STEM read-aloud.-Suzanne Costner, Fairview Elementary School, Maryville, TN

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

April 1, 2019
Cece uses her science skills at camp with her friends. Cece is excited for her Adventure Girls camping trip, where, with her mother as group leader, she'll be able to explore science in nature with her friends Daisy and Caroline. As a scout and as a scientist, she uses checklists to pack and be prepared. At camp, the girls work together to set up their tent; a series of illustrations shows how. When they go on a hike, Cece takes pictures of landmarks to track their route. When the sky grows dark, Cece uses her knowledge of types of clouds and the timing between thunder and lightning to figure out how far away the storm is. When her mom's GPS stops working, Cece recommends using her pictures to make a map back to the campsite. With some clever improvisation, they make a shelter to stay dry and then find their way back to camp. For their problem-solving and science, the girls earn more than just the camping badge. (One wonders how prepared the leader was, but no matter; Cece to the rescue!) The bright, animation-style illustrations depict fluffy-haired Cece and her straight-haired mother; Daisy sports braids and a darker skin tone, and Caroline appears Asian. (Cece's white dad, introduced in Cece Loves Science, 2018, stays at home in this outing.) Cece's checklists and notes are interspersed throughout, Magic Schoolbus-style, and an endnote defines science terms. Smart girls, friendship, and fun: a winning combination. (Picture book. 6-10)

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June 1, 2019
Preschool-G Cece takes her love of science outdoors to earn an Adventure Girls camping pin. Cece's mom and Einstein the dog accompany Cece and her friends to a forest campground, where they set up their tent and go on a nature hike. Cece takes photos of landmarks along the trail (and silly selfies). However, the hike is cut short when a storm brews and the GPS dies. The girls build a shelter with rain ponchos as they strategize how to find their campsite. The Adventure Girls map out their path by referring to the digital photos and timestamps. Upon their return, they discover tracks in the mud indicating a forest creature has stolen their marshmallows?a crucial s'mores ingredient! Cece and her friends celebrate earning their camping pins?plus STEM and teamwork pins?with chocolate graham cracker sandwiches instead. This story depicts ethnically diverse girls who are smart, confident, and resourceful. The cheerful, cartoon-like digital illustrations match the characters' can-do attitude. An empowering picture book that demonstrates the usefulness of STEM skills and will appeal to kids who love exploring nature.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)