Creature Features: Twenty-Five Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do

Pres-Gr 2--Did you ever wonder why an Egyptian vulture has feathers on his face, or why a frilled lizard has extra skin around his neck? These curiosities are explained in a Q & A--style interview as 25 unique animals offer up their personal insights (for example, "Dear Tapir: Why is your nose crooked?" "My nose isn't always twisted. I bend it when I want to reach some tender leaves or fruit."). Loaded with nuggets of information and layered in humor, this is a winning picture book that is sure to inform as well as entertain. The illustrations are designed in torn- and cut-paper collage and depict each animal with texture and style. Background colors are bold and bright and provide a balanced backdrop to each animal. Back matter includes a chart of each animal's geographical location and diet for additional research.--Melissa Smith, Royal Oak Public Library, MI

Copyright 2014 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

As always, artistry and zoology are intrinsic parts of Jenkins's and Page's latest animal-themed collaboration. Tongue-in-cheek questions ("Dear axolotl: Why do you have feathers growing out of your head?") address the anatomy and physiology of 25 unusual-looking species. In response, the pink salamander explains, "Those aren't feathers--they're gills. They let me breathe underwater." Other subjects include the mole rat ("Have you ever thought about getting braces?"), sun bear, and blobfish ("What on earth happened to you?"). 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. Ages 4-8. (Oct.)

Copyright 2014 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

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

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

* "Loaded with nuggets of information and layered in humor, this is a winning picture book that is sure to inform as well as entertain."
—School Library Journal, 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."
—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"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."
—Bulletin