Look at Me!: How to Attract Attention in the Animal World, written by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page, reviewed by Klaudia Janek

Student Reviewer: Leah R.
Summary: This book outlines several species of reptiles, amphibians, birds, fish, and mammals and how they interact with the world around them. The authors tell of the reasons behind why different animals make themselves look a little different, and why they do it. For example, when describing a pufferfish, the text says, “when it inflates itself with water, the pufferfish isn’t easy to swallow. Swelling up also causes its sharp spines to point outward, making the puffer an unappealing meal for a bigger fish.” There is a lot of scientific information for readers to take away. The illustrations are incredibly detailed and use mixed media. At the end of the book, there is a page detailing each of the animals mentioned in the text, where they live, their diet, and their size.

Straight Talk for Librarians: This book is a wonderful option for experienced readers, due to some of the more advanced language. The details regarding the highlighted animals are factual even though they are presented with younger readers in mind. This book would go wonderfully with both science classes and art classes; especially science classes on the topic of camouflage, adaptations, etc. The illustrations in this book are some of the best I have seen in picture books. Each image obviously had much thought put into it, and the detail is extraordinary. The cover is eye-catching, colorful, and incredibly organized, and the pages are likewise. Each set of pages has its own theme, such as “All dressed up,” “A brilliant warning,” and “Got a light?” and mentions one or two animals that relate to the theme. The last few pages have a more in-depth commentary on each of the animals presented earlier in the text, providing more information such as their habitat, diet, and size. This area is especially helpful if readers would like to know more about any of the animals. Finally, there is a section at the end of the book suggesting external books and websites to visit for more information. A great choice for animal lovers, non-fiction enthusiasts and curious children. A good purchase for a school library. Published Review #1: Kirkus: Many animals have creative and often startling ways.