The Beetle Book

Author & Illustrator:   Steve Jenkins
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin
Publication Year:   2012
Location: Knox County Public Library- Powell

Awards:   Kirkus Best Book; NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books; SLJ Best Books,  Booklist Top 10 Books for Youth ,ALSC Notable Children’s Books

Summary:  The book starts with the fact that one out of every four creatures on the planet is a beetle. It goes on to describe beetles, their anatomy, and all the different kinds that there are. The illustrations are colorful torn-paper collages and the small text keeps the focus on them.

Classroom Ideas: Classroom study of beetles, animals, and animal parts.

Extras: Index of beetles with latin names

Can we Save the Tiger?

Author: Martin Jenkins
Illustrated: Vicky White
Publisher:  Candlewick
Publication Year:   2011
Location: Knox County Public Library- Powell

Awards:   School Library Journal Best Books, Kirkus Best Books, Outstanding Science Trade Book, ALA Notable, Horn Book Honor, Cybils Award Finalist

Summary:  The book begins with a description of extinct species like the dodo bird and then moves on to endangered ones. In very kid friendly language, Martin describes the plight of these animals as well as the difficulties that surround saving them from extinction. The font changes size for key phrases (they're big, they're fierce, tigers are beautiful). White's pencil sketches are perfect for the topic- looking almost like you could find them in a scientist's field notebook. Some of them included very subtle watercolors and the captions are done in a handwriting font with facts about the animals. The familiar tone encourages young readers to read more, but never talks down to them.

Classroom Ideas: A classroom study of animals that are extinct or endangered.

Extras: A list of websites where the reader can find more information about endangered animals.

Actual Size

Author & Illustrator:   Steve Jenkins
Publisher:  Houghton Mifflin
Publication Year:   2004
Location: Knox County Public Library- Powell

Awards:   ALA Starred, Child's Magazine Best, Bccb Blue Ribbon, ALA Top Sci-Tech Books, Booklist Editor's Choice

Summary:  Including all sorts of animals from the 1/3 inch dwarf goby to just the eye of the giant squid, this book strives to show just how big or small animals actually are. The illustrations are clever paper collages that are realistic without being scary. The crocodile teeth look incredibly dangerous, but my favorite is the mesmerizing tiger eyes!

Classroom Ideas: This would be a great book to introduce different animals to the youngest readers. The perspective offers here is perfect to help kids truly understand some of the differences. And it would be a great way to encourage them to research more about these animals.

Extras: An author's note includes information about each animal pictured including its size, habitat, diet and methods of defense.