Informational Books: BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST

Bibliography
Jenkins, Steve. 1995. BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0395861363

Plot Summary
A blue whale can “grow to be 110 feet long” and the smallest bird, the bee hummingbird, weighs less than a dime. Steven Jenkins writes about these and other fascinating facts about the animal kingdoms world record holders in BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST.

Critical Analysis
The facts provided by Steve Jenkins are truly fascinating, enticing the reader to want to know more about these animals. The author provides the world record fact about each animal first in large print at the top of the page (“The sun jellyfish is the world’s longest animal.”) but then expands on the information about the animal with two additional facts towards the bottom of the page (their tentacles can be over 200 feet long and they use them to stun fish to eat). Next to these tidbits are comparison charts for the reader to visualize the difference between the animal and people. The information being presented on each page is made very accessible to the young audience yet manages to piques the interest of an older audience as well. A chart at the end of the book offers a comparison of all the animals including their record, size, diet, and range (location).

The double page spread of realistic collages is incredible. The addition of texture to the collages adds an authentic quality to the illustrations. The animals are emphasized in their muted tones against the bright backdrops of each page. Be warned: some of these animals jump right off the page.

Awards Won And Reviewed Excerpt(s)
Booklist Editor's Choice citation, 1995
BOOKLIST review: “Beautiful double-page-spread…” and “Here's proof that power isn't just about size and that science can be a lot of fun.”
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL review: “The realistic, inventive, textured illustrations, mostly double spreads, flow smoothly from page to page.”

Connections
*In math, this book can be used to teach concepts such as estimation, measuring, and comparing quantities.
* In Science, the book can be used to study characteristics of animals and how each has adapted to its environment.
*Other books about animals:
Whipple, Laura. ERIC CARLE’S ANIMALS ANIMALS. ISBN 978-0698118553
Moses, Brian. ELEPHANTS CAN”S JUMP AND OTHER POEMS ABOUT ANIMALS.