Genre 4: Nonfiction Books

Bibliography

Jenkins, Steve. 1997. What Do You Do When Something Wants to Eat You? Ill. by Steve Jenkins. ISBN 0-395-82514-8

Plot Summary

Just as humans want to be protected from danger, nature allows animals to defend themselves against harm too. In Steven Jenkin's book, What Do You Do When Something Wants To Eat You?, we learn about the skillfull and sometimes unusual ways animals protect themselves from harm. Whether it's spitting poisonous venom at the would be predator or rolling up into a ball to act as if dead, the anti-attack methods described by Jenkins gives us ensight on some creatures that may be unfamiliar to us.

Critical Analysis

Although some of the animals in this book are unheard of by most readers, Jenkins keeps the reader interested with his simple, yet detailed descriptions. When we get particulars of the "Jesus Christ lizard," we can't help but want to keep turning the page. The author describes this heavenly creature by saying "it can escape its enemies by running accross the surface of ponds and streams, using it's large feet and great speed to keep from sinking into the water." This example of anthropomorphism helps us to remain captivated about the animals that live among us, be it near or far. Furthermore, the animals may seem mammoth in size or dangerous, but Jenkins' diction throughout the book is child-friendly. Even the puffer-fish who "takes in water and swells up like a prickly balloon..." seems harmless.

Jenkins' illustrations are like few others seen in children's books. The pictures that we see of animals are actually of cut paper that has been shaped into animal forms. The details are very involved and the colors are placed on the animals in just the right places. What's even more interesting is that the pictures seem to be raised off of the pages. One may even have to convince themself that the pictures aren't by actually running their fingers across these realistic looking figures. The life like pictures will probably attract exotic animal lovers.

Review Excerpts

Booklists Editor's Choice 1998

The Best Children's Book of the Year 1998

Outstanding Science Trade Book for 1998

Starred Review in Kirkus Reviews: "Jenkins cleverly conceals a factual compendium of 14 animal and insect defenses as a colorful picture book."

Starred Review in Booklists: "Even as kids shudder at the bared teeth of the predator, they will identify with the trickster who gets away."

Connections

This book is a good choice to introduce children to many of the animals they may not be familiar with. A good contribution to a science class as well.

*Gather other books illustrated by Steve Jenkins:

Dogs and Cats. ISBN 978-0618507672

Almost Gone. ISBN 0060535989

*Gather other children books about animal defenses:

Lovett, Sarah. Extremely Weird Animal Defenses. ISBN 1562613588

Kaner, Etta. Animal Defenses: How Animals Protect Themselves. ISBN 1550744194