Creature Features: 25 Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

 

Creature Features: 25 Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Bibliography: 

Ganeri, A., & Fricker, S. (1997). Creature features. Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers. 

Plot Summary: 

Includes bibliographical references. Text and illustrations examine unusual animal facial features and how they help the animals survive.

Critical Analysis:

Steve Jenkins and Robin Page may just be some of my new favorite authors. As all of Jenkins' books are beautifully illustrated, this one is remarkably done. The students in my class absolutely loved this book! I really like the perspective that this text takes makes it highly intriguing the reader. It makes the reader think about the picture and listen to the facts to figure out why the animal looks the way they do. The content of the book is also very interesting and for my 5th grade students "very cool". I have to say I learned a lot by reading this story too! Great book and I can't wait to make it a part of my classroom.

Review Excerpt: 

Kirkus 

From a skilled team, another intriguing invitation to explore the animal world.

Publisher's Weekly (starred review)

Jenkins's torn-paper creations emphasize the idea of interspecies dialogue—readers stare face to face with the animals, who happily divulge what makes them special.

Bulletin 

The language of the questions is funny, varied, and irreverent, and the answers are as personable as they are compactly informative...Though the text is accessible for reading alone, the Q&A format is a natural for a lively and unusual readaloud—funny voices optional but recommended.

Booklist

It's a splendid introduction and a memorable read-aloud for young children.

Connections:

Nonfiction Unit

Animal Unit - You can include other books written by Steve Jenkins

Interview with Steve Jenkins - https://www.teachingbooks.net/author_collection.cgi?id=26&mid=50