Creature Features: Twenty-Five Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do

Bibliography

Jenkins, S., & Page, R. (2014). Creature features: Twenty-five animals explain why they look the way they do. Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Critical Analysis

Steven Jenkins creates stunning portraits of 25 different animals using cut and torn papers as his medium. The pictures of the pages draw readers into this informational text presenting animal adaptations and how those adaptations benefit the animals. This beautiful picture book is presented in a question and answer format. The questions are those that children might ask, “Dear tapir: Why is your nose crooked?” The tapir answers: “My nose isn’t always twisted. I bend it when I want to reach some tender leaves or fruit.” Readers are able to view same scale silhouettes of the animals featured compared to humans as well as learn about their diet. The book also includes a bibliography and a link to learn more about how the book was created.

Review Excerpts

From Booklist:

The flat, brightly colored backgrounds make the nuanced cut-paper and collage faces pop. Back matter includes a bibliography and silhouettes of the animals compared to humans, as well as their geographic range and diet. It’s a splendid introduction and a memorable read-aloud for young children. — Lolly Gepson

From Kirkus:

The question-and-answer approach draws readers in, offering room for surprise and a child’s own theories.

Awards and Honors

• 2016 Kentucky Bluegrass Award - Nominee (Grades K-2)

• 2016 Keystone to Reading Book Award - Nominee (Primary)

• 2016 Washington Children's Choice Picture Book Award - Nominee (Picture Book)

Connections

Creature Features would be the perfect introduction to a lesson about animal adaptations. Students will become mesmerized by the different adaptations and how they help the animals to survive. 

This book could be paired with similar books such as, What if you had Animal Teeth? By Sandra Markle to discuss how animals are different than humans and what makes their differences special.