annieb123's Review of Mya McLure, The Brave Science Girl

by Douglas Haddad

Mya McClure, brave science girl, has a passion for nature. One night, as Mya sleeps with her window open, tiny creatures enter her room—toads! They are escaping the forest near her school, which is in the process of being cut down and ruining their habitat. Mya scoops up the toads and takes them to her basement while she thinks about what to do next. The next day at school, Mya asks her teacher, Mrs. Russell, how to create a new habitat for the toads. So instructed, she and Mrs. Russell dig a hole in the forest and free the toads. While foraging for sticks, Mrs. Russell upsets a bee hive and the swarm chases her back to the toads. With a portable fan, Mya redirects the bees to the toads, who eagerly devour the bees. The following day Mrs. Russell shows Mya a letter from her state legislator which says all tree removal in the forest will end, and the toads’ habitat will be saved.

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Mya McLure, The Brave Science Girl: The Toad Cave is an adorable illustrated story for all ages by Douglas Haddad and Jennifer Ball-Cordero (illus.). Released 7th Nov 2023 by Rowman & Littlefield on their Muddy Boots imprint, it's 32 pages and is available in hardcover and ebook formats.

This is such a kind story with an important message for everyone about cooperation, planning, conservation, caring, and stewardship. It shows that everyone (even 2nd graders) can make a difference and help. The text is loosely rhyming, with accessible and simple words which will be understandable to even the youngest readers with some help. The illustrations are colorful and full of fun small details.

The simple plot revolves around Mya and her teacher and the other students finding out how to help build new homes for animals threatened by habitat loss and development. She has an ally in her teacher, Miss Russell, and they manage to help the toads to a new safer home.

There's a neat mini-tutorial included in the book with instructions for creating a toad-friendly garden home which could be a fun activity for youngsters to do with an adult/facilitator.

Five stars. Really cute. It would make a great choice for public or classroom library, activity groups, and home use.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Reading updates

20 January, 2024: Started reading

20 January, 2024: Finished reading

20 January, 2024: Reviewed