Module 4 Book Reviews: Informational Books

What Do You Do When Something Wants To Eat You? by Steve Jenkins

1. Bibliography
Jenkins, Steve. 1997. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU? New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 0395825148.

2. Plot Summary
Steve Jenkins uses paper collage art to demonstrate the defense mechanisms of a variety of creatures from sea to land. Each creature is shown prior to defending himself and then is shown in the act of defending himself from predators.

3. Critical Analysis
The paper collage creatures are the most eye-catching piece of this book. The colors are bright and the layouts are fairly simple - one detailed creature set against a single color backdrop. However, there is a bit of awkwardness in the double-page spreads. A creature is introduced on the front of a page and when the page is turned the defense mechanism is revealed on the backside. This page butts up against the introduction of another animal. It is not a very logical lead. The ink from the octopus seems to spread onto the next page, but it is only the leaves that a rat and beetle are walking on. The puffer fish seems to be looking at the glass snake as it's attacked by some critter with a furry paw, but it's really not. The eye and the mind wish to connect pages that are not meant to be connected, which is somewhat of a distraction through the whole of the book.
The author, direct in his delivery of collage creatures, is also direct in explaining the defense mechanism of each. The author does not dilute the actions of the creatures by glossing the text over with easy language or by the exclusion of explanations. When the puffer fish expands, the author explains, "it takes in water and swells up." And when the basilisk lizard runs across the surface of water he explains, "...using its large feet and great speed to keep it from sinking into the water."
The book ends with a question for the reader by returning to the title, "What Do You Do When Something Wants To Eat You?" He encourages young readers to consider themselves as survivors in the wild, and the artsy style of the book condones creative answers.

4. Review Excerpts
CHILDREN'S LITERATURE: "It is a fascinating look at the diversity of nature and survival skills that have evolved to help animals defend themselves."
SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: "Useful for teachers introducing animal defenses and the terms that go along with the subject and a great choice for a storytime."
KIRKUS REVIEWS: "A dashing look at natural escape routes."

5. Connections
Research may be the next step following a reading of Jenkin's fairly simple introduction to animal defenses. Quite a collection of unique techniques may found in these informational books filled with photographs and explanations.
Clyne, Densey. CATCH ME IF YOU CAN. ISBN 0836820568.
Devaney, Sherri. DEFENDERS. ISBN 1410303933
Rhodes, Mary Jo and David Hall. SURVIVAL SECRETS OF SEA ANIMALS. ISBN 0516243985.