As science books go, I have found very few that are really appropriate for young children. By this I mean that they aren’t watered down, ultra-cartoony and vague. Excellent nonfiction, whether it is science or otherwise, should contain factual information in preschool-sized bites with realistic pictures that invite questions. Parents should be ready to explain and answer whatever they can–and get exciited when they are challenged to find out more for their child.
Ok, off the soap box….What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? is fantastic, as is everything Jenkins and Page have collaborated to create. The guessing game format is ideal for children who loved the lift-the-flap books when they were smaller. On one page you see tails sticking out of a desert scene, inviting readers to guess to which animal each tail must belong; readers turn the page to see the animals revealed, named, and learn exactly what each of their amazing tails can do.
While I have labeled this book 4+, my 3-yr old enjoyed guessing what animals were hiding. The factual information and conversational qualities embodied here are perfect, however, for pre-K children who love animals.
April 1, 2008 at 9:17 pm
Don’t you love the lizard that shoots blood from its eyes? By the way, my kids love The Berenstain Bears Big Book of Science and Nature. They have learned a good bit from it, too.
April 4, 2008 at 4:34 pm
Lizards that shoot blood out of their eyes unfortunately cannot be found here in Indiana. The boys asked….shame, really.
Looked at the library for the science and nature book and they don’t have it. Might try interlibrary loan or check the local bookstore. Thanks for the recommendation!