The Animal Book: A Collection of the Fastest, Fiercest, Toughest, Cleverest, Shyest―and Most Surprising―Animals on Earth

The Animal Book is a groundbreaking work that sets a high bar for natural science books for children (and adults) of any age. Steve's incessant curiosity and broad knowledge of the natural sciences has allowed him to create a book that far exceeds the standard non-fiction children's book.The Animal Book contains hundreds of critters, from very tiny insects and reptiles like the recently discovered Amau frog, to the huge fifty-foot long oarfish and now extinct Shastasaurus. The book is divided into 8 unique sections, each covering various themes such as animal senses, family, animal defenses, and a brief explanation of how these creatures evolved.The pages are filled with gorgeous illustrations comprised of collages made (amazingly) of cut and torn paper. Take a close look at the cover above or click on the look inside link above to see samples of his painstaking illustrations. They come with captions containing fascinating and sometimes-unexpected information that will maintain a young child's attention, and are intelligent and unusual enough to keep an adult hooked.This is a big book, with more than 200 8.5x11" pages.Each chapter is followed with a chart that shows, graphically clear and clean, a lot of information at once. The charts remind one of the works from the brilliant chart maker, Edward Tufte. An illustrated index contains even more animal facts. This book is packed with so much information--a reader can open it up anywhere and get sucked in.Steve also included an unusual chapter that reveals the process of creating a children's book. He's been making books for more than two decades, and is an expert at his craft--The New York Times has recognized Steve as an important children's book author and illustrator dealing with natural science.The Animal Book really is THE animal book for kids--the kind of book that could have an impact on the life of a child, the kind of book that might stay with a child for many years.Full disclosure: I have known Steve since high school, and have watched Steve's illustrations and writing skills grow exponentially from his very first book two decades ago to this amazing work.

“The Animal Book: A Collection of the Fastest, Fiercest, Toughest, Cleverest, Shyest – and Most Surprising --- Animals on Earth” is a beautifully illustrated, very informative book that both children and adults will love.Steve Jenkins has created an outstanding, easy-to-read book that provides an overview of the animal kingdom; the family structure of different species; animal senses; predators; animal defenses; and animal extremes – in size, life spans, etc. Jenkins also includes a brief section on the theory of evolution and Charles Darwin. Timelines and chronological depictions of the progression of species are very interesting.The artwork of “The Animal Book” alone makes this book worth purchasing. Many of the illustrations appear to be cut-paper and are visually rich in texture and perspective. The book is printed on heavy, shiny paper stock. Colors are bright and clear. A different color marker at the top of the page indicates a different section of the book; this makes navigating “The Animal Book” easier for younger readers.Steve Jenkins’ “The Animal Book” is now a favorite of my four-year old grandson. As a long-time reader, I particularly liked the concluding portion of “The Animal Book” in which Jenkins discusses how he gets his inspiration for a book and the process he goes through to create a work.If you are looking for a wonderful, beautifully illustrated book for a gift - or for yourself - I recommend this fact-filled, fun-to-read book.

I wish I had known about the author Steve Jenkins before he passed away. His artwork and writing are wonderful! So much info packed into this book and written in a really entertaining style.

Awesome info and illustrations!! The info is organized in a way that helps the reader learn how to identify different animal species, and differentiate mammals. My 5 yr old really enjoys learning the different animal facts and LOVES the pictures. I thought maybe she wouldn’t like it because they are not photographs but you don’t notice right away because there is such great detail in the illustrations. I gave 4 stars because there are some unidentified illustrations and it would’ve been nice to know what they are rather than having to google them. This book offers a wide range of different animals and organisms.

I bought this for my son who wanted to draw animals. He didn't care about the facts about them, just wanted the pictures. Unfortunately I couldn't "see" inside the book, so I didn't know what it would look like. This would be something that could help potential buyers in the future. Post some pictures of the inside! The drawings in the book are not done as well as I had hoped, and are a lot less then I thought there would be as well. Other then that the book is great. It is a hard back book, with glossy pages. Construction is well made. It shipped at Christmas time, so there was a 1 day delay, but still arrived in time.

My six-year-old daughter and nephew can’t get enough of this book. It is the whole family’s favorite read, including us parents who learn something new each time we open it.

Love the illustrations in this book, however this is suppose to be a Santa present to my kids and the cover of the book is torn and damaged in several places. Highly disappointed. Guess I’ll just take the cover off. Paying what I pay from Prime and $20 for this book I would expect it to arrive in better condition.

This is a fantastic book and a must-have addition to your home library. I purchased this book for my son. He adores animals and loves learning about them. He is fascinated with this book and really enjoys the artwork. The colors are bright, clear, and engaging. He'll often sit and just flip through the pages and look at the animals. I love that it's easy-to-read and filled with various species and facts about them. Very informative for children and adults; it's great for all ages! I am so happy we have this book. I can't recommend it enough! It's a great buy.

great thanks

My 5 year old daughter loves flicking through this book and asks me to read parts of it to her, the illustrations are gorgeous and there are lots of interesting facts.

A little expensive, but excellent book. Lots of things for kids to pore over, many, many discussions with the reading parent triggered. A must-have for curious kids of all ages. Steve Jenkins' trademark illustration style really shines through.

This book is beautiful with all the pictures that kids can relate toThank You

So impressed with this book. Delighted with the way the creatures are illustrated and the load of information found inside the covers. No doubt I will be using it as a reference book for a long time to come. I may even let my grandchildren look at it. :)