Reviews
There are so many incredible books available at the moment that it is impossible to read them all, no matter how hard I try! Here are my thoughts about some of the books I have read and how I think they could be used in school as well as Q and A sessions with authors and illustrators.
Blog Tour: Curious Creatures Talking Together
I am delighted to be taking part in the Book Review Blog Tour for this wonderful book. In fact, I was so keen to share my thoughts that I jumped the gun with my review- but am delighted to share it again - with some additional thoughts - as part of the tour!
Third in the ‘Curious Creatures’ series, ‘Talking Together’ offers another fascinating look into the world of animals and how ‘curious creatures’ communicate. All the signs and signals they use are explored here!
The book explores a whole range of communication skills which animals employ from body language to special sounds, from dazzling displays of colour to pungent pongs. The book also highlights the work of biologists like Jurgen Otto, who has discovered new species of the peacock spider which communicates by performing a hypnotic dance to attract a partner and the work of scientists, Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth on the differing cries of vervet monkeys. It would be fascinating to use for Guided Reading sessions, with succinct sections of text, full of specific vocabulary, offering plenty to discuss and explore. Sections might also be used as models for children’s own writing of non-fiction whilst the varied habitats included might inspire some map work, locating the places mentioned. The nature of the series- being curious about the curiosities of the animal kingdom- might also lead to researching the most curious facts that can be found, like why wombats have cube- shaped poo!
With ring-tailed lemurs secreting smelly chemicals and whales singing mysterious songs, there is so much to learn about and relish in this book as the author looks at creatures from across the world from tiny ants to gentle, giant elephants. It is a fascinating look at the wonders of the world around us. Perfect for the curious creatures in your own life!
Curious Creatures: Talking Together
Zoe Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Susanj
Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740351
Many thanks to the lovely Maryam at Flying Eye Books for inviting me to take part in this Blog Tour. I look forward to reading the other reviewers thoughts about the book!
Curious Creatures: Talking Together
Third in the ‘Curious Creatures’ series, ‘Talking Together’ offers another fascinating look into the world of animals and how ‘curious creatures’ communicate. All the signs and signals they use are explored here!
The book explores a whole range of communication skills which animals employ from body language to special sounds, from dazzling displays of colour to pungent pongs. The book also highlights the work of biologists like Jurgen Otto, who has discovered new species of the peacock spider which communicates by performing a hypnotic dance to attract a partner and the work of scientists, Dorothy Cheney and Robert Seyfarth on the differing cries of vervet monkeys.
With ring-tailed lemurs secreting smelly chemicals and whales singing mysterious songs, there is so much to learn about and enjoy in this book as the author looks at creatures from across the world from tiny ants to gentle, giant elephants. It is a fascinating look at the wonders of the world around us. Perfect for the curious creatures in your own life!
Curious Creatures: Talking Together
Zoe Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Susanj
Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740351
Published on the 3rd August 2023
You can read my review of Curious Creatures: Working with Tools here.
Curious Creatures Working with Tools
People use tools in all sorts of ways. You might say it’s part of what makes us human. But did you know that a small number of extraordinary animals also use tools?
The natural world is endlessly fascinating, not only for its beauty, but also for the ingenuity of its inhabitants! Engaging and appealing from its very cover, ‘Curious Creatures Working with Tools’ is an absorbing exploration of the resourcefulness of tool-using animals.
Having defined what a tool is, the book then explores how various animals use them to help get things done. Sea otters use kelp to solve the problem of crabs escaping until they can eat them. Many animals use sticks to help them whilst the veined octopus uses coconut shells to make a shelter. Sections entitled ‘Just Like You’ make links between the ways in which creatures and animals use tools, showing just how much we have in common with them.
Each spread is beautifully illustrated, full of detail and interest, and the book would make a perfect addition to libraries and class book shelves. It offers links to many areas across the curriculum- in science, design technology, art, geography- as well as opportunities for writing. Encouraging problem solving and creativity, ‘Curious Creatures Working with Tools’ is a great read.
Curious Creatures Working with Tools
Zoe Armstrong, illustrated by Anja Susanj
Flying Eye Books ISBN: 978-1838740344