Moth and Wasp, Soil and Ocean: Remembering Chinese Scientist Pu Zhelong’s Work for Sustainable Farming

posted on March 9, 2018 by Eve Panzer

 

Non-fiction has become the center of attention in children’s literature. In part this is due to the Common Core Standards emphasis on non-fiction. Whatever your opinion is about the Common Core Standards, putting a spotlight on non-fiction has led to a plethora of books that are both informative, engaging and creative. This entices fiction lovers, like me, to give non-fiction a try and it is working.

One of the ways non-fiction has changed to attract new readers is by producing a category called creative non-fiction. In this type of non-fiction book facts are woven into a story that engages students while teaching them. This has made non-fiction books more appealing to students who may not otherwise be drawn to them.

Many of the non-fiction books that I recommend fall into this creative non-fiction category. And today I am highlighting a creative non-fiction book, Moth and Wasp, Soil and Ocean: Remembering Chinese Scientist Pu Zhelong’s Work for Sustainable Farming, that can be used to teach many common themes. A book that teach across the curriculum like this one delivers a big bang for the buck. As a huge supporter of independent book publishers, I am pleased to recommend this title from independent publisher Tilbury House Publishers.

Moth and Wasp, Soil and Ocean Remembering Chinese Scientist Pu Zhelong’s Work for Sustainable Farming has transformed the potentially mundane subject of protecting crops from insect pests into an absorbing book that teaches about empathy, creativity, Chinese culture and society, environmental issues and nature and the importance of science. It is based on the life and work of Chinese scientist Pu Zhelong.  During the time Pu Zhelong was educated and started his career (late 1940’s – 1970’s) Chinese scientist were sent to foreign countries to get educated and were expected to return to rural areas to share their knowledge with the farmers.  These scientists brought together the concepts of soil and ocean in China – soil represented local and rural, ocean represented modern and foreign.

The personal stories of Pu Zhelong’s and the village farmer (a fictional composite of the many farmers who met the scientist) emphasize the importance of science. The story is narrated by the village farmer who was lucky enough to have Pu Zhelong visit his village to help the farmers control the insect population. Under the Professor’s mentor-ship, the farmer invents a tool to make this natural process easier. Inspired to become a scientist the farmer later attends college in a nearby city and then returns to his village to help his fellow farmers.

The themes of protecting the environment and sustainable farming are both woven into the story. Scientist Pu Zhelong’s mission was to eliminate the use chemical pesticides which made the farmers sick and did not actually reducing the number of bugs. Using natural methods to get rid of insects harmful to the crops preserved the delicate balance of nature in the area.

Readers are given a peek into the Chinese culture during the span of Pu Zhelong’s career and beyond. There are references to the Chinese government and the political changes that occurred. The narrator speaks nostalgically of the crops that were produced when he lived on the farm as young boy.  We learn later that the farms were eventually replaced by clothing factories and the farmer’s family moved to the city.  There are extensive end-notes that explain “The History Behind the Story” as well as additional resources to read.

Lovely illustrations add to the richness of this book. Incorporated in the illustrations are Chinese characters.  In the back of the book the meanings of these characters are explained as well as a brief discussion of the Chinese language.

There is so much packed into this fascinating book it is hard to believe it is only thirty-two pages! I highly recommend this book as a spring board to discuss themes such as empathy; Chinese culture, society, and history; environmental issues; nature; and the importance of science.

Moth and Wasp, Soil and Ocean Remembering Chinese Scientist Pu Zhelong’s Work for Sustainable Farming

Author: Sigrid Schmalzer

Illustrator: Melanie Linden Chan

Publisher: Tilbury House Publishers

Publication Date: 2018

Format: Hardback

Price: $17.95

Ages: 6 to 9

I received a free review copy of this book from Myrick Marketing & Media.

EDUCATOR’S Tips, Correlations, and Connections

IB Character Traits: Thinker; Inquirer; Risk Taker; Knowledgeable; Caring; Open Minded

IB Attributes/Emotional Literacy: Commitment; Cooperation; Confidence; Empathy; Creativity; Curiosity; Enthusiasm; Independence; Respect; Integrity

IB Themes/Units of Inquiry: Who We Are: My Family, My Home, My Country and Culture

How We Express Ourselves: Art and Language

How the World Works: Inventions; Life cycles of plants

Sharing the Planet: Caring for a Garden; Caring for the Environment and Managing Resources; Relationship of Humans and Plant/Animal Kingdom; Natural Habitats and Ecosystem

Use across the curriculum to teach: History, Science, Language, Geography, Nature and Environment, and Global Cultures.

Purchase Now
Raves & Praise from authors and educators about Eve Panzer, the Barefoot Librarian.

Eve Panzer has displayed her wonderful books at several of our Early Childhood events. Our teachers are always excited to see the age appropriate materials she provides.

-Jacquie Porter, Early Childhood Director, Austin ISD

A favorite resource we use everyday in our preschool is a beautiful book! We love to share the joy and excitement of engaging stories to help the children make deep connections to their exploration and learning. The Barefoot Librarian offers THE best selection of books in a full range of topics and targeted age groups to appeal to children of all ages.

-Community School Director, Four Seasons

Eve, the Barefoot Librarian has done a wonderful job at hand-selecting books for my three children, ages 3.5, 4.5 and 7. She considered their interests and reading levels in her selection of 23 titles. Some are bi-lingual, which is ideal since they are learning Spanish and English at the same time. All of the books are beautiful and some come with audio CDs, which they love listening to while having the book on their lap as we commute to school. What a wonderful way to get new books!

-Sharon M., Parent

Faced with the wealth of incredible books available for children, many educators can feel overwhelmed when it comes to choosing titles for the classroom. If you’re a teacher who doesn’t want to resort to the dartboard method, the Barefoot Librarian is your new best friend!

-Audrey Linter, Blogger, Little Pickle Press

“Eve Panzer and her site The Barefoot Librarian is every author’s friend. Her thorough reviews inform readers just how and why a book makes the perfect fit. Reviews are important so people understand whether a potential read will be successful and with reviews like The Barefoot Librarian help make those selections a success!”

-Carole P. Roman, award-winning author

“I was the lucky recipient of a review from Eve Panzer for my debut picture book, SUMO JOE. Not only was her review timely, but she also got to the core of the book and really understood what it was all about. Her blog posts not only look beautiful but are well written and help readers find books for their needs. I highly recommend Eve’s book review services!”

-Mia Wejen – Co-founder of the MultiCultural Children’s Book Day and author of children’s books, including Sumo Joe and the Barefoot Books title Food for the Future, which has received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“Eve, the Barefoot Librarian provided me with an excellent service. Being a first-time author, it is a challenge to get your foot in the door and I was really pleased with the process. Not only was it a well thought out and wonderful review, but Eve is lovely and very prompt with her communication. Thank you for a job well done.”

-Sarah Cullen, Author of Nellie the Narwhal and Director Majestic Whale Encounters

Eve Panzer wrote a wonderful review for my debut middle grade novel. I was thrilled at how detailed and thorough the review was. In fact, it has helped me so much as I have sent this review to schools and educators so they can get a good idea of what my book is about. I am so grateful to Eve for her deep insight and analysis of my book. I highly recommend her services to any author looking to get a book review.

-Shirin Shamsi, author of Laila and the Sands of Time and the Barefoot Books title Zahra’s Blessing: A Ramadan Story which received rave reviews from the School Library Journal and Kirkus Reviews.

“An author is always nervous to see a review of their book, especially their first book. When I read Eve Panzer’s (the Barefoot Librarian) review of my debut picture book Walkout, I immediately relaxed as I saw her deep connection to the core of the story. She truly understood the character relationships, problem, and message of the book. In addition, Eve’s correspondence was timely, efficient, and professional. I look forward to seeking her expertise and experience for future children’s books.”

-Tina M. Shepardson, Author of WALKOUT

“I was honored to receive a Barefoot Librarian Book Review as an award from this year’s Reader View’s Reviewers Choice awards. I was especially pleased that David’s ADHD was selected, since my greatest hope for the book was to have it shared in libraries so that it is available to all.” “I found her review to be insightful and extremely helpful in presenting the book, including helpful quotes from the book and well as providing encouraging and perceptive comments. I am hoping to use her reviewing service again for future books!”

-Sherrill S. Cannon, Award-Winning Author of David’s ADHD

“As an author, I feel like there’s nothing more rewarding than when grownups really get my message and what I’m trying to portray in the story. Eve Panzer is one of those gems who has been a huge champion for our yoga stories, which are a little outside the box, combining literacy and movement. Her reviews are hugely comprehensive, and it’s clear that she spends quality time getting to know the books and the authors. It was an honor to have one of our first yoga books reviewed by Eve, and I highly recommend her services!”

-Giselle Shardlow, Author and Owner of KidsYogaStories.com

Eve Panzer, The Barefoot Librarian, provided an outstanding, valuable review of my children’s book, My Chickens Lay Eggs. Her professional review was written in a comprehensive, yet concise, manner. Most importantly, it specifically highlighted aspects of the book considered relevant to my reader and buyer audiences. I sincerely appreciate the thoughtful time and effort put into the final product and highly recommend her services.

-Sherry Crelin, Author of My Chickens Lay Eggs

Thank you so much for your comprehensive review of Dr. Rosie Helps the Animals …! Your review pointed out the many lessons hidden and not so hidden in the book, which is a bonus for a story that, on the surface, seems relatively simplistic.  Thank you also for including pertinent facts and safety information from the back matter page in your review.

-Rebecca Leopold Publicist, Waterbear Publishing

This is fantastic; thank you so much! Your review really captures everything we love about this title.

-Hannah Thelen (she/her/hers), Editorial and Production Director Women In Botany (Science Wide Open series) by Mary Wissinger, Published by Science Naturally!