Flying Frogs and Walking Fish

K-Gr 3--Every living creature requires a way to travel from one place to another, as showcased in this informative exploration of animal mobility. Jenkins and Page highlight a variety of animals, both familiar (frogs, dogs, and elephants) and unusual (cormorants, sugar gliders, and mudskippers). The engaging narrative is organized by type of locomotion, such as walking, leaping, swimming, climbing, and flying. Two spreads comprise each section. In the first spread, the authors introduce a particular type of movement by explaining why and how a specific animal moves in a unique or unexpected way. The next spread expands upon the concept with further details about other animals. For example, the leaping lizard is followed by a jumping spider, a penguin that rockets from the water, a bounding springbok, and a ring-tailed lemur that vaults from tree to tree. Set against white space, the collage illustrations portray the animals in a subdued palette of earth tones that enhances the natural representation of each creature. They jump, slither, and float across the pages, and the layout of the accompanying text further emphasizes the sense of movement. Back matter provides additional information. VERDICT This fine overview is destined to be a popular addition to any science collection.--Linda L. Walkins, Saint Joseph Preparatory High School, Boston

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

In another of their expert examinations of biodiversity, frequent husband-and-wife collaborators Jenkins and Page explore the ways nearly 50 creatures move on land, in the sea, and underwater. Pages highlighting the unexpected movements of single animals (an octopus walking across the sea floor, a swimming elephant) alternate with ones looking at how other animals approach the same methods (a red kangaroo "uses its tail as a fifth leg," while the slow-on-land sloth "is right at home in the water"). As usual, Jenkins's collages capture the animals' distinctive characteristics with precision and attention to detail, while a closing spread offers notable tidbits about the animals within. Ages 4-7. (May)

Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

* "As usual, Jenkins's collages capture the animals' distinctive characteristics with precision and attention to detail, while a closing spread offers notable tidbits about the animals within."
—Publishers Weekly, STARRED review

* "This fine overview is destined to be a popular addition to any science collection."
—School Library Journal, STARRED review

..".the featured animals are well chosen for diversity and interest, and the locomotion methods are startling and intriguing. This is therefore a useful addition to the ever-expanding Jenkins/Page nature study shelves."
—Bulletin

..".this spectacular arrangement of creatures is delicately rendered in Jenkins' signature, eye-catching collage style. Closing with a list of categories and its accompanying critters, [Flying Frogs and Walking Fish] is highly educational and a treat to behold.
—Booklist