Module 9: Nonfiction

Jenkins, Steve, and Robin Page. What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2003.

Summary: Each double-page spread invites readers to explore the unique body parts of animals. The first question is, "What do you do with a nose like this?" and it is accompanied by varied and colorful animal noses, some that look easy to guess, and others that are more baffling. The next page reveals the animals whose noses were on the previous page, along with the unique uses each animal uses their nose for. The subsequent pages answer questions in the same format relating to animals' ears, tails, eyes, feet, and mouths. The back of the book has notes on each animal, with fascinating information about each species. With factual information such as where each animal is from, how big they are, what they eat, and lesser known facts, the book is packed with information. 

Impressions: Husband and wife team Steve Jenkins and Robin Page teamed together in this Caldecott Honor winning stunningly illustrated nonfiction gem. The illustrations pop off the page, with their dynamic cut-paper collage technique. Children will delight in guessing the animals whose body parts they see, and will enjoy speculating what the animals use the body parts for. Without knowing they are learning, children will eagerly grasp new knowledge about the various animal species. Classic Steve Jenkins, but one that is not to be missed!

Reviews:

Publisher's Weekly: Steve Jenkins contributes another artistically wrought, imaginatively conceived look at the natural world. 

School Library Journal: Jenkins, this time in collaboration with his wife, has created yet another eye-opening book.  a This is a great book for sharing one-on-one or with a group.

Booklist: Here's another exceptional cut-paper science book from Jenkins, this time put together with a partner, and like previous books, it's a stunner. An opening page, clearly explaining how to use the book, is followed by a double-page spread  Jenkins' handsome paper-cut collages are both lovely and anatomically informative, and their white background helps emphasize the particular feature, be it the bush baby's lustrous, liquid-brown eyes or the skunk's fuzzy tail. This is a striking, thoughtfully created book with intriguing facts made more memorable through dynamic art.