This Librarian's Quick Picks: Creature Features

Creatures Features: Twenty Five Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do
by Steve Jenkins
Houghton Mifflin
Narrative Nonfiction

Summary:

Text and illustrations examine unusual animal facial features and how they help the animals survive.

Why You'll Love It:

•  The kids at my school LOVE Steve Jenkins. Seriously. I can't keep his books on the shelves. They love the collage illustrations and all the funky facts in each of Jenkins' books. 
•  The Q & A-style interview with 25 unique animals offer up their personal insights and lend themselves to so many teachable moments as a mentor text.
• The short text responses make this book a quick read aloud that keeps kiddos engaged.

Who Should Read It:

Great for K-grade 3...and here's a discussion & activity guide with Common Core alignment.

What Else You Should Read:

• The Animal Book by Steve Jenkins
• Eye to Eye by Steve Jenkins (noticing a trend here??)
• Unusual Creatures by Michael Hearst