Copyright Date:
2018
Edition Date:
2018
Release Date:
09/01/18
Illustrator:
Martz, John,
Pages:
1 volume (unpaged)
ISBN:
1-7714-7292-8
ISBN 13:
978-1-7714-7292-0
Dewey:
571.7
Dimensions:
24 cm.
Language:
English
Reviews:
Kirkus Reviews
Let's talk about animal adaptations!Preschoolers are naturally curious and are filled with a million and one questions (on a slow day). Kaner takes on some animal-themed questions by examining how different species of animals have adapted to deal with chilly weather. The species are international: Alaskan wood frogs, Japanese macaques, and guanacos share the book with more familiar species such as squirrels, butterflies, and penguins. Some species are rather far-reaching. Are tuataras on a preschooler's radar? And although a beaver opens the book with a fanciful scenario in which it turns up a thermostat, it's never revealed how beavers stay warm. Resourceful educators may use these more unusual species as a launchpad for further exploration. Martz's illustrations, which appear to be digital, humorously support the text throughout. Disappointingly, however the design of the book fails to take advantage of the page turn. The questions Kaner asks ("Do honeybees use teamwork?") are answered across the gutter, effectively stopping all open-ended discussion among readers. This is unfortunate because it greatly limits the use of the book or requires jury-rigged props to promote critical-thinking and discussion skills. Furthermore, there is no backmatter with further reading or more information about the animal species discussed.It's worth a look, but it won't be a star player in any collection. (Informational picture book. 6-8)
When winter arrives, animals living in cold environments need to cope to survive. Do polar bears build homes? Do penguins snuggle with a friend? Yes But their homes aren't made of wood, and they don't cuddle on a couch. Instead, these animals and many more have adapted in amazing ways to survive chilly weather. Whether it's whales layering up with 12 inches of blubber, turtles burrowing into the mud to snooze and wait for spring, or emperor penguins coming together in a giant huddle, this book is full of fascinating tidbits about animal behavior in winter. Written in a question-and-answer format, this interactive nonfiction book encourages kids to predict the answers and shout them out. Playful phrasing and comic illustrations make the content engaging for readers, who will gain newfound knowledge and an early understanding of adaptations in nature. Don't miss the companion title, Do Lizards Eat Ice Cream? .