"Naturalist and nature photographer Holland gives students a glimpse into the stimulating world of animal anatomy, specifically legs—their function and what makes them unique. This title showcases the appendages of a variety of animals from different classes, from caterpillars to frogs to moles. Did you know that skunks alert surrounding creatures that they are ready to spray by stomping their feet? Or that spiders and houseflies use their legs to taste food? The design (black text set against a white background, along with numerous photos) makes this selection a good read-aloud option in a science unit covering animal anatomy. The book contains four pages of fun facts and activities, including one where children have to match close-ups of feet to their respective animal owners. VERDICT An additional purchase for elementary nature lovers."
- Kathia Ibacache, Simi Valley Public Library, CA
Filled with stunning full page portrait color photographs of insects, birds and animals, "Animal Legs" teaches the functionality of animal legs by defining characteristics and behaviors of a wide variety of creatures, including backswimmers, caterpillars, a praying mantis, butterflies, frogs, turtles, hawks, ruffled grouse, skunks, river otters, moles, and human children. Further examples are explored in the added learning pages called For Creative Minds, What Legs Can Do (a matching game), another matching game called Match the Foot to the Animal, and finally Fun Facts which present information about the feet functions and features of opossums, porcupines, beavers, and spiders. Special attention is focused on the amazing adaptability of each animal's legs, encouraging more discerning observation in young scientists and naturalists. Additional titles in this series that are also highly recommended include "Animal Eyes," and "Animal Mouths."
Holland presents a very basic overview of the functions of the legs and feet of moles, frogs, caterpillars, and nine other fairly common creatures.
Animal Legs written by Mary Holland is a book full of up close photography of different animals’ legs! You then get to read about all the cool facts about each of their legs. Like some are used for swimming, others for holding prey and others are sticky for climbing. Sure, kids read about animals all the time but this one is different because it is all about the legs. Kids will be eager to share their new found knowledge on animal legs after reading this book.
Great descriptions of differing legs on animals and functions of these. Any child interested in animals or science would love this book. Photography was great.
With realistic photos, children will see toads, birds, insects and other creations. As the book title explains, this narration details the various workings of animal legs. For instance, kids will learn that the spines on praying mantises legs interlock when they grab an insect, making it almost impossible for escape. The 'For Creative Minds' section in the back of the book further cultivates lessons with information on special feet, fun leg facts, and what feet can do. It also has a matching game to match the foot to the animal.
What I like about this book: The close-up photos of caterpillar legs, spiny mantid legs, butterfly and frog feet, grouse and mole toes. Every page is packed with details about webbing, spines, flaps, toenails. Some animals walk on their toes; others walk on their toenails. We walk on our whole foot. I also like the back-matter: extra information for curious minds and a matching game.
I was simply intrigued by all these fascinating bits of information and the wonderful photographs that show the details. The book's design is perfect in my opinion. The text is black on a creamy white background and is in side panels on the pages. This leaves the pictures clear without overlaying text and the text in sidebars is short-lined making it easy to read.
Author Mary Holland has done an excellent job of introducing young readers to animal legs and the many functions they perform. With easy to understand explanations, she takes children on a journey through the animal world to explore all the various uses of animal legs. There are plenty of vivid photos of the animals, and many are close up views of the legs to allow better inspection of that creatures’ appendages. At the back of the book is a section “For Creative Minds” that can be used for further study.
Although written for the early elementary crowd, the writing is by no means simplistic or childish, and both my 7 and 9 year old boys enjoyed it. Author Mary Holland is a naturalist and nature photographer, and has more books in this “Animal Adaptions Series,” that are about animal eyes and mouths. If they are of the same caliber, I can see them also being unique additions to our science library.
"Animal Legs" takes your little one on a learning journey that explores the many types of legs in this great big world. Birds, mammals, reptiles and insects have so many varied styles of legs. Readers will learn how each creature has different legs for many different reasons. Some legs were specifically created for running, some for swimming and others for climbing. There are even legs that can taste things. You are going to have to read the book to learn which living things use their legs to taste. There is a "Creative Minds" section in the back of this book and an online teacher’s guide as well to help you get even more information. I love learning. Your little one will too with “Animal Legs”
Crisp, close-up photographs by the author encourage readers to examine the detailed structures of animal legs and feet... Students read and observe the amazing adaptations of insects, birds, amphibians, and mammals while learning how these structures help them survive in their environment. At the end, the For Creative Minds section provides matching games and interactive fun facts to extend the learning.