Tag Archives: animal behavior

Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals

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written by Linda Ashman and illustrated by Aparna Varma

Part science, part poetry and part riddle/puzzle book – what’s not to love about this delightful book? Nineteen animals that are record-holders of some sort (fastest, slowest, tallest, stinkiest and so forth) are introduced by a personified mask poems and a portion of the animal to tease the reader. Turn the page and the full animal is there along with a paragraph detailing its claim to fame along with some well-chosen extra facts. At the end, there is information about protecting endangered animals and suggested websites. There is also guidance about measurements and mask poems. Finally, there is a glossary and recommended reading for further investigation.

The fun game-like format along with the accessible poetry and information makes this a book that should be in everyone’s library. It is nonfiction that can be used in so many ways (examples are animal units, nonfiction studies, poetry units, conservation lessons). But, not only is it a great book for lessons. It is a fascination, fun read for students. And, that makes it a winner in all areas!

Shall We Dance?

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written and illustrated by Robin Page

Animals move in many ways for a variety of reasons. Many use these “dances” as a courtship behavior while some animals spin and pirouette to warn of danger or to remove parasites. Whatever the reason, animals exhibit some amazing moves in this beautifully illustrated book.

Each page or two page spread has a large illustration of an animal (or pair) along with a short description of its “dance” and the possible reasons for such movement. There is a lot of information packed into those short paragraphs and they might pique the interest of would-be scientists, who will want to learn more about the featured creatures. Digital illustrations are colorful and dynamic. Text is not overwhelming and sometimes humorous. For example: the male praying mantis hopes that the female is well fed and won’t eat him after their courtship. This nonfiction book will certainly be popular in your library.