Synergy: Exploring Animal Behavior

ANIMAL BEHAVIOR is the study of how animals interact in their environment from movement and social activity to mating behavior.

To understand a concept, it’s useful to read a cluster of books related to a theme. Explore these recently published books for young people:

LEARNING TO BE WILD: HOW ANIMALS ACHIEVE PEACE, CREATE BEAUTY, AND RAISE FAMILIES by Carl Safina is a young adult adaptation of the adult work of nonfiction. Community, culture, and belonging aren’t just human concepts, they extend to the animal world. This engaging read explores the connections among chimpanzees, macaws, whales, and humans. ARC courtesy Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan. 

BUTT OR FACE? written by Kari Lavelle presents a photograph and asks readers to guess the animal. Additional information about the creature’s physical characteristics and behaviors is presented in an engaging way. This unusual book will be popular with young readers who enjoy humor and animals. ARC courtesy of Sourcebooks Explore, an imprint of Sourcebooks.

FOLLOW THE FLYWAY: THE MARVEL OF BIRD MIGRATION written by Sarah Nelson and illustrated by Maya Hanisch explores a dozen bird species that migrate along the North American Flyways. The rhyming text make this beautifully illustrated picture book an engaging read-aloud. The book concludes with fascinating flyway facts. ARC courtesy of Barefoot Books. 

FIND OUT ABOUT ANIMAL CAMOUFLAGE written by Martin Jenkins and illustrated by Jane McGuinness is a picture book exploring how animals disguise themselves. Designed for young children, learners explore clever ways creatures use camouflage to survive. Each two-page spread includes a key statement along with supplemental text. ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press. 

THINK LIKE A GOAT: THE WILDLY SMART WAYS ANIMALS COMMUNICATE, COOPERATE, AND INNOVATE written by Lisa Dearest Betik and illustrated by Alexander Mostov examines animal behavior around the world. The book begins by sharing different types of intelligence, then five chapters examine how animals apply their intelligence. The combination of interesting text blocks, infographics, and other engaging information presentation styles will appeal to young readers. ARC courtesy Kids Can Press, an imprint of Hachette Book Group.

Synergy: Camouflage

Camouflage is a defense mechanism used by creatures to blend into their environment. Also called cryptic coloration, these organisms are able to disguise their appearance, location, and even movement.

Read the informational picture book for youth, then learn more at the websites:

MASTERS OF DISGUISE: CAMOUFLAGING CREATURES & MAGNIFICENT MIMICS by Marc Martin uses brightly colored watercolor and cut-outs to explore the world of biomimicry in nature. Featuring a dozen animals from around the world, readers learn about how each creature is able to blend into its natural habitat. Of particular note are the seek-and-find activities woven throughout the book to get students thinking about the importance of observation in the natural world.

CAN YOU FIND THE CAMOUFLAGED ANIMALS? from Earth Rangers shows viewers an image and asks them to identify the creature. After revealing the answers, viewers learn facts about the creature. This video would be effective as a whole class, small group, or individual activity.

To view the video, go to https://youtu.be/kGZX1_Zy-74.

32 EXAMPLES OF CAMOUFLAGE IN NATURE is an online article containing lots ideas educators can use to teach about how predators and prey animals use camouflage.

To read the article, go to https://bit.ly/34FJXiJ.

ARC courtesy of Candlewick Press.

Book Review: Now You See Them, Now You Don't

NOW YOU SEE THEM, NOW YOU DON’T by David L. Harrison is an amazing informational picture book featuring poems about animal camouflage.

Featuring nineteen different creatures organized into five categories, each poem highlights interesting facts about the behavior and habitat of a sea creature, reptile, amphibian, mammal, insect or bird. Laroche’s fascinating cut-paper illustrations bring the habitats to life for young readers.

Librarians will appreciate the endnotes that include details about the creatures featured in each poem. Great as a read-aloud activity, this book is excellent for STEAM projects that combine science and art. Involve you in learning about a creature and creating their own poem and artwork.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.davidlharrison.com/.

To learn more about the illustrator, go to http://www.gileslaroche.com/.

Published by Charlesbridge on February 16, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Spectacular Spots

SPECTACULAR SPOTS by Susan Stockade is a beautifully illustrated informational picture book for young naturalists.

This follow-up to Stockdale’s Stripes of All Types uses the same rhyming technique making it an excellent nonfiction book for a science read-aloud experience. Begin by reading the book straight through to enjoy to verse and narrative. Then, go back and discuss the creatures and why their spots are important. Children will also enjoy discussing other books that Stockdale could add to her series featuring animal characteristics.

The simple, colorful illustrations will capture the attention of very young children and thematic focus on spots will appeal to primary-aged youth. Stockade’s interesting use of verbs provides an excellent starting point for a writing activity featuring verb tenses.

The book’s afterword provides thumbnails of each animal along with a discussion of the importance of their spots. A matching game at the end of the book will keep readers thinking about what they’ve read.

Librarians and classroom teachers will find endless opportunities for learning experiences and displays. For instance, ask student to compare the book illustrations with photographs of the same creatures.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.susanstockdale.com/.

Published by Peachtree on March 1, 2015.