It's Monday! What are you reading?

I'm catching up with a book from our librarian meeting review table today.

I have a sentimental attachment to Calpurnia Tate; a friend gave me a signed copy of  Jacqueline Kelly's book, The Evolution of Calpurnia Tate, as a gift when I earned my library science degree.  Kelly has since written a sequel to the original title, and more recently embarked on a related series for younger readers--Calpurnia Tate, Girl Vet.  I picked up the third book, Who Gives a Hoot?, in which Calpurnia rescues a barn owl from the San Marcos River.

The Girl Vet series is a wonderful introduction to the world of Calpurnia Tate.  The setting is turn-of-the-century Texas, not too far from our home here in Austin.  These are short books--only 106 pages or so--perfect for beginning chapter readers.  In Who Gives a Hoot?, Kelly inserts some facts about history (Grandpa fought in the Civil War, for the South), archaeology (Calpurnia and Grandpa were returning from a fossil hunt when they rescued the owl), and biology (including scientific names of animals and interesting owl habits).  There's a nod to human's ecological impact when Calpurnia figures out just how the owl fell ill.

Calpurnia Tate: Girl Vet will appeal to budding scientists and historians alike.  It's Monday; what are you reading today?