Summertime Sleepers
Animals that Estivate
written by Melissa Stewart
What do mourning cloak butterflies have in common with pixie frogs and yellow-bellied marmots? They all estivate, or sleep through summer.
Everyone knows about hibernation, but this book by award-winning author Melissa Stewart offers young readers a lyrical look at its fascinating warm-weather counterpart—estivation. Discover how some creatures survive by snoozing through the hottest days of the year. A wonderful bed-time read-aloud.
A 2022 ALA Sibert Honor Book and winner of the 2023 Donna Norvell Book Award
"Brannen's art is as captivating as the information it illuminates... the illustrations are not only incredibly enjoyable, they're accurate and informative. Summertime Sleepers is a gem that should spark children's interest in science, in the world around them and in the joy of learning." - Shelf Awareness, starred review
"Brannen's pleasing illustrations, both sketches and watercolor scenes, enable the audience to envision the animals within their habitats. An attractive science book on an uncommon but interesting topic." - Booklist
"A well-crafted and attractive text for animal fans, and a suitable introduction to the scientific concept of estivation... Gentle watercolor scenes include a small black-and-white page that resembles a guidebook entry."
"Budding biologists will especially appreciate this intriguing primer on a lesser-known process." - Publisher's Weekly
"The book gives a large amount of information which is easily taken in and digested through the different elements of the text and illustrations... young readers are in for an empowering, engaging, informative treat!" - Illinois News-Gazette
Junior Library Guild selection
New York Public Library 2021 Best Books for Kids
NSTA 2021 Outstanding Science Books for Kids
Bank Street Best Children's Books of the Year
Nerdy Book Club 2021 Best Nonfiction Picture Books
School Library Journal Fuse Eight: 2021 Best Science and Nature Books
Oklahoma Library Association’s 2023 Donna Norvell Award winner
Pennsylvania 2022-2023 Keystone to Reading Book Award
Oregon State Literacy Association Patricia Gallagher Children's Choice Book Award nominee
Connecticut Charter Oak Children's Book Award 2022-2023 nominee
Missouri 2022 Dogwood Award Finalist
2022-2023 Pennsylvania Young Readers Choice Award nominee
Evanston Public Library Blueberry Honor Book
Featured in Parents Magazine
Interview on Watch. Connect. Read