Animal School: What Class Are You?
Michelle Lord, Author
Michael Garland, Illustrator
Holiday House, Nonfiction, July 1, 2014
Suitable for Ages: 5-9
Themes: Vertebrates, Reptiles, Fish, Mammals, Birds, Amphibians, Animals, Rhyming text
Opening: “Vertebrates have spines. Elephants to pygmy wrasses, vertebrates are grouped by classes. Vertebrates have spines like you, mammals, fish and reptiles too!”
Synopsis: Animal School begins with very detailed illustrations of the skeletons of five classifications of vertebrates with spines like mammals, fish, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. Some walk on legs, while others swim, crawl, scamper or fly. Some breathe air while others live in water where oxygen flows through gills. With rhythmic text the author explores a subject many children will find fascinating.
I like this book because: it introduces children to the intriguing world of vertebrates. Michelle Lord’s knowledge of vertebrates is captured in her catchy and entertaining rhyming in each classification. She provides the appealing facts about the special characteristics of each vertebrate classification: reptiles, fish, mammals (including humans), bird, amphibians, and animals. Verses describe whether the vertebrae is cold-blooded or warm-blooded, scaly or furry, hatched or birthed from an animal. Her language is understandable and kid-friendly. Michael Garland’s “digital woodcut” illustrations of the animals and reptiles add a dramatic touch that is eye-catching and suits the preferred natural habitat. The texture really adds realism to the story. His double-page spreads are simply stunning, complimenting the story. The cover is regal.
Favorite verses and illustrations:
Reptiles: “But alligators / raise their young. / Hatchlings ride on / Mother’s tongue. / Every noise / a reptile hears / through covered holes, / not floppy ears.”
Compliments of Michael Garland
Fish: “Underwater / fishes roam. / Rivers, lakes, or seas are home. / Oxygen flows/ through their gills./ Water passes/ through these frills. /Fish are cloaked / in flaky scales, / lacking hair or / furry tails.”
Compliments of Michael Garland
Resources: At the end of the book is a chart with all five classifications, their characteristics, some of the species, examples, an afterword about “invertebrates (spineless),” and suggested websites to check out. Use this book before you take your children on a visit to a zoo, aquarium or on a walk through the woods. Visit Michelle Lord and Michael Garland’s websites to learn more about their books.
Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books (PPB) with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.
What a fun book to have in a classroom. It’s real science the easy way!
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It really is a beautifully illustrated book playful rhyming that makes science fun!
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This is a wonderful book – I just reviewed it for a print publication & hope to feature it on my blog later. It’s cool to see a book on taxonomy for young kids.
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I’m glad you liked the book as much as I did. That is really great you reviewed the book for a print publication. Look forward to reading your blog review.
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Gorgeous illustrations as always by Michael, but what a terrific NF subject to do well in rhyme for a picture book.
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The author carefully uses rhyme, but in a fun manner. And, yest the illustrations are gorgesous!
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Wow!! What a great idea! Learning animal science through rapping!! And great illustrations to go with! I love it! Thanks Ms Tilton!
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Yes Rhythm, is a wonderful experience for children to learn animals/reptile science through rhyme — not to mention Garlands special “digi woodcut” style. Great book for your school visit bag.
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A useful and engaging book – what a winner!
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Yes, it is engaging. I learned that male seahorses carry growing babies in his pouch. Adults will enjoy reading the book with their kids.
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Oh wow beautiful illustrations of course from Michael Garland! Matthew will love this book, he’s really into non fiction.
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That’s great to hear. Hope you share this book with him. You will enjoy the rhyming.
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I love the style Garland used to create this book, and wish I’d understood classifications at an earlier age too. Great pick, Patricia.
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I love his “digi woodcuts” as they add so much texture. They are perfect for book with animals and the natural world.
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I love these illustrations!
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I have enjoyed Garland’s work for years. And always enjoy watching what he does next.
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What a clever way to introduce the classification of animals. And a great title. I have not seen this book yet.
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Yes, I agree. It was a clever and appealing way to introduce kids to vertebrates.
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Oh my goodness … this book looks amazing. And it would perfectly complement the animal personality study from the book The Treasure Tree. Are they more like the lion, the otter, the beaver, or the golden retriever? Gold mine!
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So happy I shared it yesterday. I think it would compliment the animal personality study in The Treasure Tree.
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Catchy rhyme, is right! And wonderful illustrations, too! We love books that teach about nature. Thanks for sharing this one, Patricia.
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This really is a great book that teaches kids about nature. You will enjoy the rhyming and love the illustrations.
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Wow. This one looks like a great one. We’ll find it and see what Enzo thinks. I’m sure he’ll love the illustrations. He’s very curious and will always find something in a book, even if it’s above his age level.
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It’s in the library. I think you both will enjoy studying this book. And, you’ll like the rhyming. Enzo will love the illustrations.
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This sounds like a really cool nonfiction book. The pictures are amazing! 😀
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Yes, it is an amazing book and you would love the illustrations!
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