Review by Booklist Review
Lions and tigers and bears . . . and, well, a bunch of others in this look at some of the biggest animal carnivores on land. Using a format similar to his Slither and Crawl (2009), Thunder Birds (2011), and Creep and Flutter (2012) Arnosky introduces big cats, bears, and wolves. Lush acrylic paintings and descriptive text depict each predator's physical characteristics, habitat, hunting methods, diet, and special features, with an emphasis on how they contribute to the animal's survival in the wild. The author occasionally draws on his years of wildlife observation to interject his own voice and experience to draw attention to interesting facts, such as learning how an African leopard's spots, called rosettes, provide camouflage. Four foldouts offer larger images of some of these amazing creatures, while pencil drawings in the margins give readers the feeling that they are turning the pages of Arnosky's sketchbook. A concluding author's note relates Arnosky's work with his wife and their countless hours recording wildlife. A great match for children who like their animals extra wild.--Leeper, Angela Copyright 2014 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2-4-Arnosky has been writing and illustrating books on nature and the environment since the 1970s and here focuses his artist's eye on the big predators of the world: lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), several other big cats, and wolves. Full-page, acrylic paintings grace every other page as well as the cover; in addition, four foldouts spill across two pages. The author also includes small, carefully rendered pencil sketches-a typical bear skull or spot patterns on a dappled coat. Arnosky's text is highly personal, including details about how he created the paintings and his experiences tracking mountain lions. An "Author's Note" explains the sources of his animal portraits (often zoo animals) and urges budding authors and artists to use all the resources available to them in their work. Included is a list of other titles for readers whose curiosity has been piqued by the brief text and by the author's obvious enthusiasm. This companion volume to Arnosky's dynamic Thunder Birds: Nature's Flying Predators (2012) and Shimmer & Splash: The Sparkling World of Sea Life (2013, both Sterling) is another eye-catching addition to a handsome body of work.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY (c) Copyright 2014. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
With respect, knowledge, and fascination, Arnosky introduces a dozen top mammal predators (large cats, bears, and wolves), using well-selected facts and conversational prose to interest and inform readers. Detailed, richly colored paintings--some on foldouts--majestically command attention, while smaller pencil drawings (labeled in cursive) combine to complement this accurate yet highly personal celebration of the fearsome beasts. Reading list. (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
