This clever picture book introduces the concept of animal characteristics by highlighting how there can be both differences and similarities within a group. For example, the zebra gallops, the bumblebee flies, the lemur leaps and the tiger prowls --- “But look closer now ... We all have STRIPES!” And so it goes. Again and again, readers will be surprised to find that a group of four seemingly different animals all have one trait in common --- whiskers, horns, shells and the like --- for a total of thirteen traits in all. Observant children will notice that one of the animals from each group also appears on the following spread with three new animals that have a different characteristic in common. Finally, all forty of the featured animals are shown together, and readers are asked to search for those with specific characteristics not already covered in the book --- for example, those with spots, those who live in the ocean or those with six or more legs.

Author Heather Tekavec has discovered a fun and interactive approach to helping young children begin to explore the ways animals are classified. Pippa Curnick's playful and engaging illustrations of the animals in their habitats are all scientifically accurate, keeping the experience both enjoyable and informative. The searching activity also works to enhance visual literacy. With a detailed glossary included, this is an ideal book for introducing early lessons on the characteristics of living things and for starting discussions on the ways all creatures are like and unlike one another.

Heather Tekavec est tombée amoureuse de la littérature jeunesse alors qu'elle travaillait comme enseignante au préscolaire. Elle a publié neuf livres pour enfants. Heather vit à Cloverdale, en Colombie-Britannique.

Heather Tekavec first fell in love with children's literature while working as a preschool teacher. She has published nine books for children. Heather lives in Cloverdale, British Columbia.

Heather Tekavec's profile page

Pippa Curnick works as both a book designer and illustrator and draws her inspiration from long walks in the woods. She lives in rural Essex, UK.

Pippa Curnick's profile page

• Winner, A Baker's Dozen: The Best Children's Books for Family Literacy, Pennsylvania Center for the Book
• Short-listed, CLEL Bell Picture Book Awards for Early Literacy, Colorado Libraries for Early Literacy
• Winner, First and Best List, Toronto Public Library
• Winner, Best Books for Kids & Teens, starred selection, Canadian Children's Book Centre

This engaging, celebratory paean to animal kingdom traits offers little ones a lively introduction to classification ...

Booklist

Little ones will have fun examining the brightly colored, cartoonlike artwork, trying to figure out a common ground beyond obvious features such as mouths and eyes.

Kirkus Reviews

... will delight old and young alike ...

Canadian Children's Book News

Ages two to six will love sharing the unique style of this look and find book.

The Calgary Herald