NONFICTION

Hidden Animal Colors

by Jane Park
­Millbrook. Mar. 2022. 32p. Tr $29.32. ISBN 9781728445663.
COPY ISBN
Gr 1-2–A winning combination of close-up photographs and engaging text bring the colors and their many purposes in the animal kingdom to young readers. The text adeptly engages the intended audience while dramatic page turns take seemingly drab animals and capture their colorful attributes very effectively. Color, as camouflage, indicator, or identifier, is covered with just enough detail to engage without ever overwhelming. For example, a page focusing on a plain-looking skink is followed by a very effective close-up of the same creature using its very blue tongue to scare off predators. An explanatory paragraph adds more details. Back matter expands on the multiple uses for color and provides additional opportunities for learning.
VERDICT Encouraging students to look closer and appreciate the ways color functions to help animals survive and thrive, this title would make a wonderful read-aloud for a unit on animal adaptation and innovation.
Reviewed by John Scott , Mar 01, 2022

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

Making Science Fun and Accessible for Teens and Kids, a guest post by Jorge Cham
by Amanda MacGregor
NONFICTION

Tiny Floating Coral
by Auld, Mary
NONFICTION

Little Seasons: Autumn Leaves
by Hokkanen, Mirka
NONFICTION

The Heartbeat Drum: The Story of Carol Powder, Cree Drummer and Activist
by Havrelock, Deidre
NONFICTION

How Sweet the Sound
by Alexander, Kwame
NONFICTION

The One and Only Googoosh: Iran’s Beloved Superstar
by Westergaard, Azadeh
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?