The Search for Olinguito: Discovering a New Species, is a wonderful non-fiction, science book for children, but I also enjoyed reading about the process. When a scientist wanted to find out more information about the Olingo species, he came across pelts and skulls for an animal that had been labelled an Olingo, but was definitely different enough that he felt it was a new species. When DNA is tested, it is different and when he thinks he might have a new species he continues with his investigation. I loved his investigations into the female Olingo that was moved from zoo to zoo because it would not mate with any of the male Olingos only to find out that her DNA did not match the Olingo's. With photographs and a narrative just right for children, the author describes the discovery of this new species of animals, the olinguito, in the raccoon family. The investigation does not stop there, they need to find one of this species in the wild. They head to Ecuador to find them and then need to study them before they will be believed and as well as have this new species recognized. I found this to be an interesting story. I liked the end of the book that talks about the rainforests and the protection of them. There are resources, a glossary as well as discussion questions included at the end of the book. A great book for introducing Non-Fiction to children as well as for a science lesson when studying animal species, habitats, endangered animals and other topics. I recommend this book to school libraries as well as public libraries. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

Summary: This book explores a specific species called "olinguito". It features scientists and their journey through Ecuador to find the animal. The book incorporates both images, maps, comparisons, and a narrative story of the scientist who found olinguito.
Thoughts: I really liked this book because it had a plethora of information and helped students learn about both scientist work and "olinguito". The book was a little long so I suggest using it in sections, or just picking out parts to teach and explore.
Use/Strategy:
- Teach about exploration
- Teach about the aspects of discovery
- Teach about species, order, families
- Talk about the different aspect of research and the importance of pictures and writing in detail
-Teach habitat, climate, reproduction, predator/prey ( )

Another scientific mystery from Sandra Markle! Incidentally, this isn't the best cover - the actual cover, while still shrouded in darkness, is much brighter.

Anyways, I really like the way Markle frames her scientific nonfiction as mystery investigations. It definitely catches kids' attention and makes them easier to booktalk too!

The story focuses on the research led by Kristofer Helgen. Beginning with his studies of olingos in the Smithsonian National Museum of National History, Helgen noticed that not all the stuffed specimens matched. This led to many years of research, in museums around the world, in zoos, and in the wild in Central and South America. The initial paper of his team's discovery of a new species, the olinguito, was prepared in 2006 - and rejected for lack of evidence. But Helgen wasn't discouraged - he continued to research the olinguito along with his team of scientists. Finally, in 2013, the discovery of the olinguito was officially announced. A new species had been discovered!

Throughout the book Markle includes information about the raccoon family, to which the olinguito belongs, as well as information about the scientific process and how researchers work to identify new species. There's also the history of earlier expeditions to Central and South America and how researchers use that evidence and the knowledge of local inhabitants in their research. Back matter includes questions to inspire readers to be "science detectives", source notes, glossary, and further information.

Verdict: Another excellent science mystery from Sandra Markle. A great resource for classrooms and a fun read for kids interested in science and animals.

ISBN: 9781512410150; Published 2017 by Millbrook Press/Lerner; Borrowed from another library in my consortium