About the Book "Step right up, animal lovers! It's your turn to judge in this poetic competition of superlative animal abilities. Structured as a guessing game competition, and told through deftly crafted persona poems, the book celebrates animals' standout qualities, from the biggest (blue whale) to the smallest (shrew), with all the favorite creatures (speedy cheetahs, long-necked giraffes) plus some less common animals with equally amazing abilities (long-lived tortoises, deep-dwelling snailfish and more). Each playful persona poem is told from the point of view of a different animal and invites readers to guess who's the fastest flyer, strongest biter, best artist -- even the smelliest! The entertaining, spirited poems are followed by a page turn that shows readers if their guess was correct and offers non-fiction information about each critter. At the end of the book, readers are invited to pick their favorite creature -- but with poems this charming, and bright illustrations full of personality, it will be hard to choose. This winning combination of animal science and poetry is a perfect pick for even the youngest animal lovers."-- Book Synopsis Learn about animal extremes through playful poems and fascinating facts. Who's tops in the animal world? Readers get to find out, as they play a guessing game that uses delightful persona poems to introduce 19 animals who are the best in some way. Each poem offers hints about the identity of an animal and what makes it so amazing. Included are popular categories, such as Biggest Animal Ever (blue whale) and Fastest Short-Distance Runner (cheetah), as well as more unexpected ones, such as Best Engineer (North American beaver) and Longest Tongue (giant anteater). Poems full of personality combined with intriguing science - what a lively and fun way to learn! Linda Ashman's original approach to the ever-popular topic of animal characteristics makes for an appealing and informative book that animal lovers of all ages can enjoy. A full right-side page is dedicated to each charming persona poem - a poem written from the animal's perspective about itself - along with an illustration by Aparna Varma showing just a peek at part of the animal. Turn the page and, on the left side, discover the mystery animal, what category it's won, some interesting facts, including how the animal's standout characteristic was measured, and a full illustration. With its introductions to both animals and persona poems, this is that rare book that works equally well for language arts and life science lessons, and as an engaging read-aloud. The content is supported by a glossary, an explanation of persona poems with an activity and more information about animal science and endangered animals. Review Quotes This dualistic approach melds together verse and science in a way that will appeal to young animal lovers. The end result is a book that reveals the interdependence of nature as well as the unique value that every living creature possesses.--Children's Literature A savvy combination of STEAM-centric approaches.--BooklistA brimming compendium that inventively mixes facts, poetry, and humor.--Kirkus Reviews, starred reviewPut this multifaceted package on the science shelves, and use it often and variously.--School Library Journal, starred review About the Author Linda Ashman is the author of more than forty picture books, many of them included on the "best of the year" lists of the New York Times, Parenting and Child magazines, the New York Public Library and more. She lives in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, with her husband, son and two dogs. Aparna Varma is an illustrator, designer and owner of the stationery company Green Bean Studio. The illustrator of Anne and Her Tower of Giraffes and several other children's books, she works in animation production at Nelvana Studios. She and her husband live in Toronto, Ontario, where they share a home studio.
