After an introductory paragraph, Jenkins� tight, terse text is limited to one or two sentences per animal. Subscript entries give raw data about the animals, such as their height, length, weight, etc. Names of the animals are in bold text, making them stand out against the white background of the page. He includes interesting comparisons and contrasts that young children can understand. �The huge gorilla and the pygmy mouse lemur both have hands a lot like ours.� He shows the head of an ostrich along with one of its eggs, and the giant atlas moth shares a double-page spread with the tiny dwarf goby fish. The book is a good vehicle for introducing scientific concepts to the youngest children. �Mixing deceptive simplicity with absolute clarity, this beautiful book is an enticing way to introduce children to the glorious diversity of our natural world, or to illustrate to budding scientists the importance of comparison, measurement, observation, and record keeping.� (School Library Journal, June 1, 2004)
The most remarkable feature of the book is Steve Jenkins� meticulously rendered collage illustrations. All of the richly detailed, anatomically correct beasties are created using torn and cut paper products, of different textures and colors. His ability to capture the glint in a bear�s eye, the ferocity of a tiger�s snarl, and the leathery roughness of a gorilla�s hand is truly amazing. Booklist enthuses: �Jenkins' artwork is gorgeous.� (May 15, 2004) In addition to the images in the main body of the book, Jenkins includes complete pictures of each of the featured animals in the back of the book, along with informative paragraphs that include more detail about each.
Even though the target audience is the primary grades and younger, older children will enjoy this book as well. They will have a greater appreciation for the statistical data about each animal, and the detailed descriptions included about each in the back of the book. Children of all ages will enjoy the brilliant illustrations. Those with an artistic bent will undoubtedly be inspired to create collage pictures of their own, experimenting with different textures and methods. This is a book that children can enjoy on their own or as an interactive read-aloud event with a favorite adult. School Library Journal describes the book as �a thoroughly engaging read-aloud and a must-have for any collection.� (June 1, 2004)
Source
Books in Print [database online]. Available from http://www.booksinprint.com. Accessed 28 January 05.
Awards for Actual Size
Booklist Editors� Choice
BCCB Blue Ribbon Nonfiction Award
Related Sites
BCCB Focus Piece
Boston Globe-Hornbook Award Acceptance Speech
National Zoo
School of Library and Information Studies
TEXAS WOMAN'S UNIVERSITY