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Scientists in the Field
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea (Scientists in the Field Series) 1st (first) Edition by Montgomery, Sy published by Houghton Mifflin Books for Children
Gift quality. Hardcover with excellent dust jacket.
Hardcover
First published October 30, 2006
30 people are currently reading
667 people want to read
About the author
Sy Montgomery
62 books2,014 followersPart Indiana Jones, part Emily Dickinson, as the Boston Globe describes her, Sy Montgomery is an author, naturalist, documentary scriptwriter, and radio commentator who has traveled to some of the worlds most remote wildernesses for her work. She has worked in a pit crawling with 18,000 snakes in Manitoba, been hunted by a tiger in India, swum with pink dolphins in the Amazon, and been undressed by an orangutan in Borneo. She is the author of 13 award-winning books, including her national best-selling memoir, The Good Good Pig. Montgomery lives in Hancock, New Hampshire.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
November 7, 2021
Interesting additional information on these adorable furballs, having just read Montgomery's How to Be a Good Creature: A Memoir in Thirteen Animals, in which she discusses this trip. However, just not as widely informative as her better Saving the Ghost of the Mountain: An Expedition Among Snow Leopards in Mongolia, where she not only discusses the snow leopards themselves, but also provides a lot of fascinating information on Mongolia's history, peoples and other wildlife.
Sadly, since the book was published in 2006, the level of deforestation in Papua New Guinea has increased dramatically. And while still not reaching the obscene levels found in next-door Irian Jaya (the Indonesian "half" of New Guinea), it is still a critically serious issue which, combined with the similar rain forest losses across Africa and South America, is a growing cause of global warming and species extinction.
Sadly, since the book was published in 2006, the level of deforestation in Papua New Guinea has increased dramatically. And while still not reaching the obscene levels found in next-door Irian Jaya (the Indonesian "half" of New Guinea), it is still a critically serious issue which, combined with the similar rain forest losses across Africa and South America, is a growing cause of global warming and species extinction.
February 6, 2009
This book has the best of both worlds. You'll feel smart after reading it, since it's a nonfiction book about scientists and a rare animal. And it is full of super adorable pictures of the cuddly-looking tree kangaroos. The book itself is beautifully made, with large, full color photos and suggestions to find more information about tree kangaroos. A great way to get kids interested in science.
December 1, 2008
Travel with the scientists as they trek deep into the New Guinea wilderness to locate the elusive Matschie's tree kangaroo.
The photography featured in this book is nothing short of stunning. The full color photographs include both scenic pieces, which
capture the beauty of the remote and rugged surroundings, and also breathtaking close-ups of flaura and fauna. The pictures alone makes this bookworthy of purchase. But that is not all it has to offer. There is also the excitement of being able to follow biologist Lisa Dabek and her team of scientists assembled from around the globe and to witness their challenges in the quest to find and apply radio collars to the fascinating Matchie's tree kangaroo, which looks to be part bear, part monkey and part kangaroo/koala. The reader gets to really see the details of what it takes to do a job like this and the patience and planning such a venture entails. There is also a nod towards the conservation message and a successful attempt to educate readers in the importance of habitat restoration for these and other rare and beautiful creatures. The authors early maps and reference to characters like hobbits and Dr. Suess characters, young readers are brought into the story quickly.
Winner of the 2007 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award and also a 2007 Robert F. Sibert Honor Book, this book delivers and is sure to delight budding
scientists or anyone interested in animals.
Children's Literature
To read about scientists tracking tree kangaroos in the cloud forest is an exciting journey as written by Sy Montgomery and accompanied by Nic Bishop's photographs. The text is interesting and the pictures magnificent. The expedition's goal is to find, capture, study, and release tree kangaroos. After the kangaroos are outfitted, they are returned to the wilderness. Collars are implanted with transmitters, internal antenna, and computer chips. In this way, kangaroos send their positions to scientists on the ground and to satellites circling thousands of miles above the earth. Transmitters weigh less than a half pound and fall off after five months. Little is known about tree kangaroos so all information will be groundbreaking. Cloud forests are much less known than tree forests. Cloud forests are amazing, whether reading about them or traveling to Papua New Guinea. Orchids grow everywhere, from fallen logs to cracks in tree bark. Vines grow and cover other plants. Beautiful flowers of every description are plentiful. The group of professionals on this expedition came from all over the world. Supplies for the trip were extensive and included professional gear, as well as necessities for the scientists and native helpers. Various suggestions to children for following up this exciting journey include the opportunity to join an "International Bug Club" with a pen pal in Puqua, New Guinea.
This review lets you know what kids will be learning during the reading, which I did not include. I didn't read this until after I wrote mine and I realized that with some non fiction review, that might be a good thing to include.
School Library Journal
Gr 4-9-Montgomery and Bishop continue their outstanding collaboration to introduce readers to scientists at work. Here, they document their participation in an expedition to the rugged and remote cloud forest of Papua New Guinea in search of the elusive and fascinating Matschie's tree kangaroo. Biologist Lisa Dabek heads a team of scientists from around the world who work with local guides to locate the creatures and fit them with radio collars to learn more about them. Bishop's photographs capture the expedition in detail. Stunning close-ups of plants, insects, and birds vie for attention with panoramas of moss-draped trees in the eerie, ancient forest. Montgomery describes both the hardships and exhilaration of the enterprise. She also introduces readers to some of the local people dedicated to conservation efforts. Dabek's pursuit of her interest in animals despite problems with asthma and her suggestions about exploring the natural world should encourage young scientists. The book's fascinating glimpses into a little-explored region will hold the attention of anyone interested in unusual creatures and the efforts to study them.-Kathy Piehl, Minnesota State University, Mankato Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.
This is a good review, but it fails to capture the magic of the book.
Kirkus Reviews
The writer and photographer of this exemplary description of science field work accompanied researcher Lisa Dabek on an expedition high in New Guinea's mountains to study tree kangaroos and promote the conservation of this elusive and endangered species. With early references to Dr. Seuss and hobbits, Montgomery connects the world of the young reader to this beautiful, distant place. She paces her narrative well, alternating focus on people and place, keeping the reader engaged and concerned about the expedition's success. As in other books in the series, she describes how local schoolchildren are involved. Her detailed account highlights scientific work habits, including extensive planning, necessary patience, careful observations and recording and the continual questions that arise. One unfortunately flipped picture notwithstanding, Bishop's photographs, shots of the expedition members, striking close-ups of flora and fauna including the sought-for kangaroo and lush, green cloud forest scenes, are beautifully reproduced. From the maps in front to the concluding suggestions for young enthusiasts, information about the language, and index, this is another commendable title from an experienced team. (Nonfiction. 10-14)
An excellent review that captures the feeling of the book.
August 28, 2022
I read this because we are going to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park soon. It is in the Juvenile section of the library, but the adult section had nothing.
It was very informative.
#JennyGuyColvin
It was very informative.
#JennyGuyColvin
April 3, 2018
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo; An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea, by Sy Montgomery was an interesting book to read. This book is an informational text about a conservation team's expedition to the cloud forests in New Guinea in search of tree kangaroos. Prior to reading this book, I was not familiar with the tree kangaroo, so it was interesting to learn about this unique animal. This book also describes the habitat of the cloud forests of New Guinea and all of the interesting animals and plants, which call this forest home. It was fascinating to learn about this habitat because almost all of its plants and animals are unique to cloud forests specifically and they are not usually found in other parts of the world.
This book also has a variety of text features, which added to the book in a positive way. The book has lots of pictures with captions, which help the reader picture the animals and plants the text is describing. This book also uses headings in an effective way, as the different sections of the book are each labeled according to what it is about. The headings help readers know what the next section of the book they are reading will be about, which can also be helpful if readers need to go back and search for something in the book. In addition, this book also includes some first-person accounts, which gives the readers insight into the personal experiences of the members of the expedition.
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo; An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea, by Sy Montgomery would be a great informational book to use in an elementary classroom. The text and the text features work together effectively to create an interesting story for all readers, including children. I think children would also be intrigued by this book because it is about a unique animal. Thus, students would not only learn a lot about tree kangaroos and the cloud forests of New Guinea, but about informational texts and how to read them also.
This book also has a variety of text features, which added to the book in a positive way. The book has lots of pictures with captions, which help the reader picture the animals and plants the text is describing. This book also uses headings in an effective way, as the different sections of the book are each labeled according to what it is about. The headings help readers know what the next section of the book they are reading will be about, which can also be helpful if readers need to go back and search for something in the book. In addition, this book also includes some first-person accounts, which gives the readers insight into the personal experiences of the members of the expedition.
Quest for the Tree Kangaroo; An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea, by Sy Montgomery would be a great informational book to use in an elementary classroom. The text and the text features work together effectively to create an interesting story for all readers, including children. I think children would also be intrigued by this book because it is about a unique animal. Thus, students would not only learn a lot about tree kangaroos and the cloud forests of New Guinea, but about informational texts and how to read them also.
April 18, 2016
This book was a fascinating read. The story follows Lisa Dabek, a scientist researching tree kangaroos, through her journey to the cloud forest of New Guinea to learn more about tree kangaroos. This book is so interesting because it explains every aspect of her journey; it even includes details like what they packed for the expedition, the relationship between the researchers and the people in the local village, and the hardships of researching in the field. This book also has other interesting facts about animals in the cloud forest. A reason I really loved this book is because the research team has many women in it and is led by a woman, which will make this book about science more appealing for girls. This book would make a great addition to an infotext collection in a classroom.
November 15, 2009
Non-fiction literature has come such a long way since I was a child! The photographs in this book are so stunning, you feel like you could reach out and touch some of the animals and plants shown. This book tells the story of a group of scientists, artists, and more who traveled through the jungles of Papua New Gyinea in search of this rare animal. The story drags a bit at first, but the pictures keep the reader going. A great book to keep in a classroom library as young as 3rd grade. Could be used to introduce non-fiction features (headings, captions, etc.). The text is more on a 5th grade level.
October 10, 2019
Wow! What a journey! I can’t imagine the stamina - physical and mental- it would take to go on such an expedition. I had not heard of tree kangaroos before, and as always, Sy does not disappoint in her ability to teach and engage readers. Photographer Nic Bishop captured the essence of the adventure very well. I highly recommend this book.
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March 21, 2017Montgomery, Sy. Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea. Photographs by Nic Bishop. Houghton Mifflin Company, 2006. Print.
This book would most likely appeal to mid- to late-elementary school students who are interested in animals and concerned about preserving wildlife, as well as to students who may be more interested in nonfiction. While this book is appropriate for readers who are comfortable in their skills due to the complexity of the text used, the large, colorful photographs of the researchers and wildlife may appeal to many students, particularly to those who are visual learners. The book incorporates some phrases from the language of the native people in the area in which the research on the tree kangaroo was taking place, along with a glossary in the back explaining the terms. This, along with the book's description of the way the native people live and some quotes from native children discussing their views on the tree kangaroo, can help students understand and appreciate another culture and may encourage their interest in doing more research. The book also contains suggestions for concerned children who are interested in conservation and wildlife, as well as a list of websites that they can visit to learn more about the tree kangaroo research project, encouraging them to apply what they have read about to their own lives and to become active in making a difference.
This book would most likely appeal to mid- to late-elementary school students who are interested in animals and concerned about preserving wildlife, as well as to students who may be more interested in nonfiction. While this book is appropriate for readers who are comfortable in their skills due to the complexity of the text used, the large, colorful photographs of the researchers and wildlife may appeal to many students, particularly to those who are visual learners. The book incorporates some phrases from the language of the native people in the area in which the research on the tree kangaroo was taking place, along with a glossary in the back explaining the terms. This, along with the book's description of the way the native people live and some quotes from native children discussing their views on the tree kangaroo, can help students understand and appreciate another culture and may encourage their interest in doing more research. The book also contains suggestions for concerned children who are interested in conservation and wildlife, as well as a list of websites that they can visit to learn more about the tree kangaroo research project, encouraging them to apply what they have read about to their own lives and to become active in making a difference.
December 5, 2018
The book, "Quest for the Tree Kangaroo: An Expedition to the Cloud Forest of New Guinea" researches the animal that resides in the trees of New Guinea. Researchers are interested in this animal because it imitates attributes of an animal known as a kangaroo but is nothing similar towards this animal. Scienctist have researched and created documentation of their findings of the Matschie’s tree kangaroo. Sy Montgomery creates a Sibert Award-winning book that provides readers with information about the animal while supported with visuals from the research of the species.
Montgomery wrote this story with a sufficient amount of knowledge and research that assisted the creation of this book. In the story, it gives exponential amounts of information that articulated an influential book that is factual and supported by a Sibert Award. In the book receiving the award, readers can feel confident in the information he or she is obtaining.
The book is a resource for teachers to use in assisting the students understanding of the steps that consist in researching a topic. In the classroom, the teacher could use this book as a resource for students to use when researching a topic for a writing prompt in science. Notably, the teacher should emphasize the importance of using sources that will support the writing and provide information that is backed with research. The book is an exact example of a resource that should be included in a research paper.
January 24, 2019
This was a truly amazing read. Not only that, but an important one.
As someone who is very passionate about wildlife conservation, I believe that we can make a difference. By reading this amazingly-written, real, and educational book, we can care more about nature and be concerned with how we treat the environment and the world around us. This book taught me a lot about tree kangaroos and how conservationists help and track them. Books like this one are extremely special because no one I know of has heard of a tree kangaroo. This beautiful book will open one's eyes to one of the lesser-known creatures that share our vast, unique planet. We know lots of animals that are endangered, such as tigers, sea turtles, and giant pandas - but the general public knows next to nothing about the tree kangaroos of New Guinea.
Reading this book will help us understand more about the magnificent world we live in and the variety of creatures that inhabit it. These rare tree kangaroos need our help and our attention. Even if you never make it to New Guinea or actively participate in helping these animals, picking this book up, delving into it, and telling friends and family about the animal clearly shows that you care.
The more people who read this book, the better. The survival of tree kangaroos is vital, as well as all of Earth's other endangered species. A very special book that nature enthusiasts and people who are curious about the world will love.
As someone who is very passionate about wildlife conservation, I believe that we can make a difference. By reading this amazingly-written, real, and educational book, we can care more about nature and be concerned with how we treat the environment and the world around us. This book taught me a lot about tree kangaroos and how conservationists help and track them. Books like this one are extremely special because no one I know of has heard of a tree kangaroo. This beautiful book will open one's eyes to one of the lesser-known creatures that share our vast, unique planet. We know lots of animals that are endangered, such as tigers, sea turtles, and giant pandas - but the general public knows next to nothing about the tree kangaroos of New Guinea.
Reading this book will help us understand more about the magnificent world we live in and the variety of creatures that inhabit it. These rare tree kangaroos need our help and our attention. Even if you never make it to New Guinea or actively participate in helping these animals, picking this book up, delving into it, and telling friends and family about the animal clearly shows that you care.
The more people who read this book, the better. The survival of tree kangaroos is vital, as well as all of Earth's other endangered species. A very special book that nature enthusiasts and people who are curious about the world will love.
October 27, 2017
Summary:
In this book, Lisa Dabek and a team of scientists and volunteers go to the Cloud Forest to find out more about the Matschie Tree Kangaroo. We learn more about this rare species and Debek provides advice to children about how to do more to help wildlife.
Evaluation:
I thought this book was interesting because it allowed the audience to "join" Dabek and the others on a journey about an animal we are so unfamiliar with. It is always fun to learn more about unknown species, and this book shows students scientific processes it took to conduct this experiment (i.e. data recording sheets). Like the other Scientist in the Field book I read, the pictures were very amazing. I think the picture help to really set the setting for people who have never witnessed things like forests before.
Teaching Point:
I would use this book in science when teaching about rare species. I think it would be a good book to introduce to the students and allow them to research more about the animal, and giving them a chance to create a presentation for the class. I also think this book would appeal to students who love animals and are really interested in wildlife; that being the case I would definitely recommend this book to those interested students.
In this book, Lisa Dabek and a team of scientists and volunteers go to the Cloud Forest to find out more about the Matschie Tree Kangaroo. We learn more about this rare species and Debek provides advice to children about how to do more to help wildlife.
Evaluation:
I thought this book was interesting because it allowed the audience to "join" Dabek and the others on a journey about an animal we are so unfamiliar with. It is always fun to learn more about unknown species, and this book shows students scientific processes it took to conduct this experiment (i.e. data recording sheets). Like the other Scientist in the Field book I read, the pictures were very amazing. I think the picture help to really set the setting for people who have never witnessed things like forests before.
Teaching Point:
I would use this book in science when teaching about rare species. I think it would be a good book to introduce to the students and allow them to research more about the animal, and giving them a chance to create a presentation for the class. I also think this book would appeal to students who love animals and are really interested in wildlife; that being the case I would definitely recommend this book to those interested students.
November 5, 2018
I grabbed this book at the thrift store because...New Guinea, which is close, close to where my heart is hiding, back in Indonesia. Little did I know that by grabbing this book, I'd fall in love with an animal I had never heard of---Matschie's Tree Kangaroo.
There are two problems with this book 1) It is a picture book with A LOT of text, so I have a feeling this was marketed as a kid's book, but honestly, I am not sure a kid would want to read through this much information--- without better details and explanation. 2) The details / explanation were not so much about the animal--- or just about the trekking/research, but a weird mix and not very well organized. I also balked at not only how much toilet paper, but that they took toilet paper with them on their adventure. Why are you carrying that 9 miles to a secluded spot--- there isn't plumbing, you should be digging holes and not leaving waste...it was a weird fact that didn't work for the place.
Anyhow, I did enjoy the photos and learning about the animal, but I am not sure this is a book I would ever recommend as it was too short for an adult and too long for a kid....
Read: if you want to learn more about New Guinea or tree kangaroos.
There are two problems with this book 1) It is a picture book with A LOT of text, so I have a feeling this was marketed as a kid's book, but honestly, I am not sure a kid would want to read through this much information--- without better details and explanation. 2) The details / explanation were not so much about the animal--- or just about the trekking/research, but a weird mix and not very well organized. I also balked at not only how much toilet paper, but that they took toilet paper with them on their adventure. Why are you carrying that 9 miles to a secluded spot--- there isn't plumbing, you should be digging holes and not leaving waste...it was a weird fact that didn't work for the place.
Anyhow, I did enjoy the photos and learning about the animal, but I am not sure this is a book I would ever recommend as it was too short for an adult and too long for a kid....
Read: if you want to learn more about New Guinea or tree kangaroos.
September 11, 2017
In this book, a team of scientist look for the tree kangaroo. This book includes real photographs, notes and tips for students, and a conservation section! It also explains about the natives of the areas and some pages even detail out those guiding the trip! There are many photographs on the native plants and animals of the region.
I gave this book 5 stars because of how in depth it is for teaching about this animal and this trip! Not only did it describe the trip, how they went, and the outcomes, but it also described how they were trying to help conserve the number of these animals around the world!
I would use this book to teach about nonfiction books or about this part of the world. I would also use this book for research when students had to write about a nonfiction topic. They could choose this animal and this book as a resource! We could also do a science lesson on how the scientist prepared for the trip and how they couldn't just get up and go. Also about how they knew the animals were there and maybe what conservation means and how they were helping!
I gave this book 5 stars because of how in depth it is for teaching about this animal and this trip! Not only did it describe the trip, how they went, and the outcomes, but it also described how they were trying to help conserve the number of these animals around the world!
I would use this book to teach about nonfiction books or about this part of the world. I would also use this book for research when students had to write about a nonfiction topic. They could choose this animal and this book as a resource! We could also do a science lesson on how the scientist prepared for the trip and how they couldn't just get up and go. Also about how they knew the animals were there and maybe what conservation means and how they were helping!
April 24, 2019
Genre: Nonfiction Concept Book
Awards: Sibert Medal Nominee
Audience: 5th-8th grade
A. The topic of this book is about scientists who are searching for a rare species called the Matschie's tree kangaroo that are indigenous to New Guinea.
B. The book has many photographs throughout the pages creating a more interesting read for children. The aspect of exploration can also draw in young readers who may be interested in adventure and expedition books.
C. The Quest for the Tree Kangaroo contains a title page, an index, photographs, captions, maps, and fact boxes/side bars. These text features allows the reader to have a more in depth understanding of what the scientists were experiencing and seeing on their journey to find the tree kangaroos.
D. This book can be used in a classroom where children can learn about different animals. It can also be used in a science classroom to teach students that there are different types of scientists that go out and explore different parts of science.
Awards: Sibert Medal Nominee
Audience: 5th-8th grade
A. The topic of this book is about scientists who are searching for a rare species called the Matschie's tree kangaroo that are indigenous to New Guinea.
B. The book has many photographs throughout the pages creating a more interesting read for children. The aspect of exploration can also draw in young readers who may be interested in adventure and expedition books.
C. The Quest for the Tree Kangaroo contains a title page, an index, photographs, captions, maps, and fact boxes/side bars. These text features allows the reader to have a more in depth understanding of what the scientists were experiencing and seeing on their journey to find the tree kangaroos.
D. This book can be used in a classroom where children can learn about different animals. It can also be used in a science classroom to teach students that there are different types of scientists that go out and explore different parts of science.
August 3, 2017
This fascinating entry in Houghton Mifflin's Scientists in the Field non-fiction picture book series follows an expedition to Papua New Guinea led by scientist Lisa Dabek and her team as they conduct research into the elusive Matschie's tree kangaroo. Each page features a full-color photograph accompanying the narrative text describing the expedition's progress, the cloud forest of Papua New Guinea itself and its inhabitants, and some of the biographical background of Dabek and her team members, including field veterinarians Holly Reed and Christine McKnight, field coordinators Joel Glick and Toby Ross, graduate research assistant and Papua New Guinea native Gabriel Porolak, illustrator Robin Wingrave, photographer Nic Bishop, and author Sy Montgomery. An overview map of the world and detail map of Papua New Guinea, which immediately follow the title page, provide geographical context for the habitat of the tree kangaroo as well as the specific expedition described in the book.
September 21, 2017
An adventure across the world to New Guinea in order to find, observe, and learn more about the tree kangaroo. This book not only finds this astounding creature but walks us through tracking him, evaluating his habits, and then finally sharing, possibly, why he died.
This book is packed with information on the tree kangaroo but in addition includes information and breathtaking photos of the other animals, people, geography, insects, and vegetation of this land. The experiments, procedures, and studies that the scientists perform are incredibly interesting and detailed.
This book would be useful for an integrated Science/ELA lesson. Students in a higher grade (3rd, 4th, 5th) could use it in order to do research for a project or slide presentation. Whereas those in lower grades could pick animals or photos of activities and then write about them using words from text that they might recognize.
This book is packed with information on the tree kangaroo but in addition includes information and breathtaking photos of the other animals, people, geography, insects, and vegetation of this land. The experiments, procedures, and studies that the scientists perform are incredibly interesting and detailed.
This book would be useful for an integrated Science/ELA lesson. Students in a higher grade (3rd, 4th, 5th) could use it in order to do research for a project or slide presentation. Whereas those in lower grades could pick animals or photos of activities and then write about them using words from text that they might recognize.
November 17, 2019
This book was about an interesting marsupial living in the cloud forest of Papua New Guinea: the tree kangaroo. Lisa Dabeck is a scientist who is fascinated by these rare animals. She and a team have placed radio collars on some tree kangaroos and their goal is to glean as much information on the creature as possible. They are able to find a male tree kangaroo, and it is the first male they are able to radio-collar. This book utilizes pictures from their journey. It includes the pictures of the team, various animals in the cloud forest, and of course many pictures of tree kangaroos. This would be a fun, nonfiction book to include when learning about animals from exotic places. I might use this as an option for a book a student could choose to use to conduct a report on an animal of the student’s choosing.
December 1, 2019
Summary:
This book is about the people and animals of New Guinea. There are pictures and information about Papua New Guinea. In the back it provides terms in Tok Pisin and translates it to English. The book also provides websites and resources to learn more about tree kangaroos.
Evaluation:
This book was long and detailed. It is well written and tells a story of what life in Papua New Guinea is like. It told first hand stories about how life differs there. It does not focus on all the tree kangaroo. It provides details on other animals found in the area and the people of the area.
Teaching Idea:
This book could be used as an informational read for students who are studying Papua New Guinea. Students could work in partners or independently to study the area. A teacher could also read different parts of the book as a read aloud while teaching about the different areas of the world.
This book is about the people and animals of New Guinea. There are pictures and information about Papua New Guinea. In the back it provides terms in Tok Pisin and translates it to English. The book also provides websites and resources to learn more about tree kangaroos.
Evaluation:
This book was long and detailed. It is well written and tells a story of what life in Papua New Guinea is like. It told first hand stories about how life differs there. It does not focus on all the tree kangaroo. It provides details on other animals found in the area and the people of the area.
Teaching Idea:
This book could be used as an informational read for students who are studying Papua New Guinea. Students could work in partners or independently to study the area. A teacher could also read different parts of the book as a read aloud while teaching about the different areas of the world.
Read
October 21, 2019Summary:
This book goes with a group of scientists on their expedition into New Guinea to find some Tree Kangaroos. The scientist explain the long journey to their site. This book talks about all that they found and did with the Tree Kangaroos that they found in the cloud forest
Evaluation:
The Quest for Tree Kangaroos had my attention the whole time. From the pictures to the in-depth description of the species that live there I was interested. I would recommend reading this book.
Teaching Ideas:
This book can be taught when teaching about conservation. There was a great deal mentioned about how to save these animals and others and why that ws important. This is a standard in third grade. The teachers could use it as a read aloud to cover this standard.
This book goes with a group of scientists on their expedition into New Guinea to find some Tree Kangaroos. The scientist explain the long journey to their site. This book talks about all that they found and did with the Tree Kangaroos that they found in the cloud forest
Evaluation:
The Quest for Tree Kangaroos had my attention the whole time. From the pictures to the in-depth description of the species that live there I was interested. I would recommend reading this book.
Teaching Ideas:
This book can be taught when teaching about conservation. There was a great deal mentioned about how to save these animals and others and why that ws important. This is a standard in third grade. The teachers could use it as a read aloud to cover this standard.
December 5, 2018
Summary:
This book is about looking for the endangered Tree Kangaroo. A story of an expedition to find and study these beautiful creatures.
Reaction
This was an enjoyable read. I loved the pictures, tree kangaroos are adorable. I thought the author did a good job retelling the journey, while also sharing a lot of facts. it is a good book to have in a classroom.
Lesson:
I would use this book when students where learning about habitats. I would use it as an introduction to the cloud forest. Students would draw a picture of the cloud forest and label their picture from things they read in the text or further research.
This book is about looking for the endangered Tree Kangaroo. A story of an expedition to find and study these beautiful creatures.
Reaction
This was an enjoyable read. I loved the pictures, tree kangaroos are adorable. I thought the author did a good job retelling the journey, while also sharing a lot of facts. it is a good book to have in a classroom.
Lesson:
I would use this book when students where learning about habitats. I would use it as an introduction to the cloud forest. Students would draw a picture of the cloud forest and label their picture from things they read in the text or further research.
December 11, 2018
Certainly without a doubt an adorable creature which is why many are enamored with finding them and studying them (and also because they’re KANGAROOS that live in trees). Again, the landscape and the native people take on a significance to the animal and study to preserve them in the future. But it seems like they had to go to an awful lot of trouble to study these canopy dwellers by building secondary shelters to be able to see them better.
This series continues to intrigue as it brings all readers and non-practicing scientists closer to nature and understanding the captures the natural curiosity we all have and mix it with a deeper message about loving the planet and creatures we have.
This series continues to intrigue as it brings all readers and non-practicing scientists closer to nature and understanding the captures the natural curiosity we all have and mix it with a deeper message about loving the planet and creatures we have.
April 23, 2019
Genre: Nonfiction
Awards: Sibert Honor Book
Audience: Ages 10 -14
A. The topic of this book was scientists discovering different animals in the forests of New Guinea.
B. The topic was presented in a child friendly way because there were a lot of pictures. The text was broken up with smaller topics on each page.
C. The text features in this book are headings, pictures, bold words, index, word bank, and maps.
D. This book could be a great read aloud. This book could also be put on a shelf for students to pick up during their independent reading. This book could be used to talk about text features and to teach skills of nonfiction as a mentor text.
Awards: Sibert Honor Book
Audience: Ages 10 -14
A. The topic of this book was scientists discovering different animals in the forests of New Guinea.
B. The topic was presented in a child friendly way because there were a lot of pictures. The text was broken up with smaller topics on each page.
C. The text features in this book are headings, pictures, bold words, index, word bank, and maps.
D. This book could be a great read aloud. This book could also be put on a shelf for students to pick up during their independent reading. This book could be used to talk about text features and to teach skills of nonfiction as a mentor text.
October 23, 2019
Summary:
This book familiarizes readers with the puzzling and mysterious Tree Kangaroo. But along the way the authors share information about the other animals, plants, and people that live near the Tree Kangaroo. The book then goes into the efforts being done to try and conserve the home of and species of the Tree Kangaroo.
Evaluation:
This book is very engaging and interesting. It is easily broken up and understandable.
Teaching Ideas:
I would include this book in a text set for environment effects or biomes. This would be a good reference for students to see all the different living parts are in one ecosystem.
This book familiarizes readers with the puzzling and mysterious Tree Kangaroo. But along the way the authors share information about the other animals, plants, and people that live near the Tree Kangaroo. The book then goes into the efforts being done to try and conserve the home of and species of the Tree Kangaroo.
Evaluation:
This book is very engaging and interesting. It is easily broken up and understandable.
Teaching Ideas:
I would include this book in a text set for environment effects or biomes. This would be a good reference for students to see all the different living parts are in one ecosystem.
December 8, 2017
The Quest for the Tree Kangaroo, is apart of the Scientists in the Field Series, in which Sy Montgomery travels to the forest of New Guinea, with scientist Lisa Dabeck, and the photographer Nic Bishop to document the Tree Kangaroo. Montgomery's informational science book brings readers into the world of the Tree Kangaroo, as well as the scientists that study these graceful creatures. Bishop's original photographs also allow the readers to dive deeper into the forests and experiences these creatures and their environment on a deeper level.
March 13, 2018
This is a nonfiction story that follows a scientist named Lisa Dabek and her journey to study tree kangaroos in forest of New Guinea. I like this book because the amount of describing detail really makes you feel like you are going on the journey as well. The beautiful tree kangaroo looks like a bear, climbs like a monkey, and has a pouch like a kangaroo. The photos in this book are breathtaking and really transport you to New Guinea. This could be used to teach in a unit on the rainforest or rare animals.
May 31, 2019
OK, so this comment is going to make me sound unintelligent, but "I really want to touch a tree kangaroo." They look like the softest animals EVER.
This is a great addition to the Scientists in the Field series. I'd never heard of tree kangaroos before reading this one, but apparently there are many species. I love how the scientists are working with the people of Papua New Guinea to study these animals and to convince the people how important it is to conserve land (habitat.)
Another great book, Sy and Nick!
This is a great addition to the Scientists in the Field series. I'd never heard of tree kangaroos before reading this one, but apparently there are many species. I love how the scientists are working with the people of Papua New Guinea to study these animals and to convince the people how important it is to conserve land (habitat.)
Another great book, Sy and Nick!
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November 24, 2019This book follows the journey of Lisa Dabek as she travels through the cloud forest in search for the Tree Kangaroo, and observing all kinds of other wildlife in the process. This informative nonfiction book has fascinating photographs that draw the reader in and make it enjoyable. I recommend this as a reference text in science when learning about different ecosystems, animals, or plant life.
November 19, 2017
I loved The Soul of the Octopus, so when I saw this book by Sy Montgomery, I knew I had to read it. It made me miss my Ecology days and the work in the field I used to do. I also want to visit Papua New Guinea next :-)
March 6, 2020
I wish there was an adult version of this book or at least a longer version. This expedition to New Guinea to do field work with the Tree Kangaroos is insanely fascinating. I want to know more! Another animal to fall in love with.
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