Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Cybils Nonfiction Picture Book Nomination: Living Color



Title: Living Color
Author and Illustrator: Steve Jenkins
Publisher: Houghton Mifflin, Boston
Source of book: library copy

I've delayed reviewing Living Color for a while; I was unsure of how to describe it! Instead of grouping animals by region, species, or any other scientific classification, Jenkins has grouped animals by color. Each color group features animals over a multi-paged spread; the red group includes animals such as the Malaysian cherry-red centipede and the scarlet ibis. Also included in the red group is the male hooded seal, who courts female seals by inflating a sac of loose skin hanging from its left nostril, making it look like he has a giant red balloon hanging off his face. The scarlet percher dragonfly, which only changes from yellow-green to red when it is fully developed, is also included. Other color groups follow, including yellow, pink, green, and purple.

This book truly needs to be seen to be appreciated! It's rather difficult to describe. A browser's delight!

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