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roseleaf24's review
4.0
This was not as quick a read as I expected it to be -- because I had to keep stealing the book back from my daughter! The illustrations are gorgeous, and the format is easy and engaging. It's easy to fall into it and turn page after page, but it's also easy to read just a bit at a time, soaking in the individual amazing facts. This is the best kind of informational text, being complete in itself, but also encouraging further study.
brandypainter's review
3.0
3.5 stars
When I first picked this up from the library, I was completely flabbergasted over the excitement for this book. It is essentially a coffee table book for kids. It is massive. My nine year old found unwieldily. I'm going to be honest, I didn't read the whole thing. I don't have that kind of time on my hands. My kids really enjoyed it though and that won me over to it.
When I first picked this up from the library, I was completely flabbergasted over the excitement for this book. It is essentially a coffee table book for kids. It is massive. My nine year old found unwieldily. I'm going to be honest, I didn't read the whole thing. I don't have that kind of time on my hands. My kids really enjoyed it though and that won me over to it.
beths0103's review
5.0
Every so often an informational book comes along that doesn't put me to sleep. The Animal Book by Steve Jenkins is one of those books.The information presented in The Animal Book is the type that you would find in a textbook, but somehow it manages to be engaging and accessible rather than dull and lifeless.
All I can say is what a beautiful work of art Steve Jenkins has created. As someone who is not usually a fan of books filled with nothing but facts rather than story, I couldn't help but find myself hypnotized by Jenkins's gorgeous paper collage art. Despite the fact that an informational book of this type would normally be filled with color photographs, it was a huge risk for Jenkins to create it using nothing but paper cutouts. And yet, it would not have had the same impact had the illustrations been real photographs, which is a testament to the artistry and diligence of Steve Jenkins. I look at the 200+ pages of this book with its multitude of illustrations on each page and think to myself: how did it not take him fifty years to put this book together? It is one of the most unique books I have had the pleasure of reading. If I were still in the classroom this year I'd be seeing this book passed around from hand to hand without ever making it to the bookshelf, I am sure of it.
Cross posted from my blog.
haleycorkery's review
5.0
This book was so much fun. Not only was it interesting, enlightening, and engaging, the illustrations were incredible too. A must-read for anyone who loves animals or just wants to learn more about the animal kingdom. Glad I picked it up.
ctorms's review
5.0
Japanese bees! Flying squid! A poisonous primate! Koi fish can live up to 200 years!
Jenkins inspires curiosity and incites awe.
Jenkins inspires curiosity and incites awe.
readingthroughtheages's review
5.0
Amazing book.
I was a little worried with the size of this book. It's very big, very thick. I'm not much of an animal person, much less someone who would pick up an animal book to read. If it wasn't for the fact this was Steve Jenkins, would have probably skipped over it.
The facts were fascinating. The amount of writing about each animal at a manageable size. The organization was impeccable. Kids can skip to certain parts that interest them the most. Read a few pages, read the whole section, or read the whole book. I think kids will enjoy looking at the illustrations (done in true Steve Jenkins style) and talk about the facts. Some are interesting, some are gross, some are unbelievable.
Great addition to your home or classroom.
I was a little worried with the size of this book. It's very big, very thick. I'm not much of an animal person, much less someone who would pick up an animal book to read. If it wasn't for the fact this was Steve Jenkins, would have probably skipped over it.
The facts were fascinating. The amount of writing about each animal at a manageable size. The organization was impeccable. Kids can skip to certain parts that interest them the most. Read a few pages, read the whole section, or read the whole book. I think kids will enjoy looking at the illustrations (done in true Steve Jenkins style) and talk about the facts. Some are interesting, some are gross, some are unbelievable.
Great addition to your home or classroom.
angiediane's review
Let me preface this by saying that I love Steve Jenkins. I love his work, I think he is wonderfully original, and he has made some fantastic books.
This, however... this is my least favorite book by him that I have ever read. Just browsing through, I found 4 factual mistakes! Most people will say that they are minor mistakes, and I may concede that, but the point is this book is aimed towards budding naturalists and the information is not 100% accurate! I am very disappointed.
I was also disappointed by the reuse of pictures from other books. One of the best things about new Steve Jenkins books is seeing all of the new concoctions of animals that he comes up with. Perhaps it should have occurred to me that in a collection, material would be reused, but it didn't, and I was disappointed. So unfortunate. Boo.
This, however... this is my least favorite book by him that I have ever read. Just browsing through, I found 4 factual mistakes! Most people will say that they are minor mistakes, and I may concede that, but the point is this book is aimed towards budding naturalists and the information is not 100% accurate! I am very disappointed.
I was also disappointed by the reuse of pictures from other books. One of the best things about new Steve Jenkins books is seeing all of the new concoctions of animals that he comes up with. Perhaps it should have occurred to me that in a collection, material would be reused, but it didn't, and I was disappointed. So unfortunate. Boo.
kaylana's review
5.0
I bought this book after a recommendation and I am so glad I did. It's a book about the fun animals and bugs that exist on our planet or have existed. The most extremes of animals from the biggest to the smallest, deadliest, best prey, etc. The information is concise and interesting enough for my son and the pictures are beautifully illustrated. This is a great reference book too, even for me!
I highly recommend this book for all ages :)
I highly recommend this book for all ages :)