Review for "Biggest, Strongest, Fastest" by Steve Jenkins

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Steve. Biggest, Strongest, Fastest. Orlando: Houghton Mifflin, 2004.  ISBN 978-0395861363

PLOT SUMMARY

This picture book introduces readers to amazing facts about 14 different animals.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

The author/illustrator, Steve Jenkins, provides a great introduction to “world records” held by 14 different animals. The language is simple and easily understood by young readers, while the facts that are shared are interesting to students of all ages. Jenkins’ illustrations are bold, textured and created by paper collage. Each illustration extends past the boundaries of a page, drawing the reader’s eyes to the next page to continue the story. Jenkin’s book is a great introduction to nonfiction for young readers.

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

From School Library Journal 1995: “Large, clear print; fascinating facts; and beautiful, detailed, cut-paper collages make this excellent title a delight.”

From Booklist: “Here's proof that power isn't just about size and that science can be a lot of fun.”

CONNECTIONS

Gather other books that are about animals to read such as:

•                    Spelman, Lucy. National Geographic Animal Encyclopedia: 2,500 Animals with Photos, Maps, and More! ISBN 978-1426310225

•                    Hanna, Jack. Jack Hanna's Big Book of Why: Amazing Animal Facts and Photos. ISBN 978-1942556022

Gather other books by Steve Jenkins to read such as:

•                      What Do You Do with a Tail?  ISBN 978-0618997138

•                      Actual Size. ISBN 978-0547512914

Play Biggest, Strongest, Fastest Charades with your students—have a child choose one of the animals described to act out, and have other children guess what it is.

Have children research their own interesting animal facts. Have each student choose an animal fact to write about and illustrate, and then collect the pages into a class animal fact book.