March 1, 2022
Gr 1-2-A winning combination of close-up photographs and engaging text bring the colors and their many purposes in the animal kingdom to young readers. The text adeptly engages the intended audience while dramatic page turns take seemingly drab animals and capture their colorful attributes very effectively. Color, as camouflage, indicator, or identifier, is covered with just enough detail to engage without ever overwhelming. For example, a page focusing on a plain-looking skink is followed by a very effective close-up of the same creature using its very blue tongue to scare off predators. An explanatory paragraph adds more details. Back matter expands on the multiple uses for color and provides additional opportunities for learning. VERDICT Encouraging students to look closer and appreciate the ways color functions to help animals survive and thrive, this title would make a wonderful read-aloud for a unit on animal adaptation and innovation.-John Scott
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