NONFICTION

Play Like an Animal!: Why Critters Splash, Race, Twirl, and Chase

by Maria Gianferrari (text) & illus. by Mia Powell
Millbrook. Apr. 2020. 32p. Tr $19.99. ISBN 9781541557710.
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PreS-Gr 2–Rhinos, monkeys, elephants, and more describe how they play (and why) in this beautifully illustrated book. Each animal has a page or two to show how they play. The artwork is very colorful and conveys a sense of movement. The last page ties the narrative themes together and points out that children and animals engage in the same activities to encourage brain growth. Back matter features animal games, animal facts, and further reading. The action verbs on each page are called out in a different, large font that are easy for kids to read (race, chase; box-wrestle-tug). Some of the other vocabulary is more advanced, but could be read with help. Each page also features an orange box that describes why the animals are engaged in these specific behaviors.
VERDICT A fun way for children to realize that animals play just like them. Great for libraries looking to beef up their animal collections.
Reviewed by Kristin Joy Anderson, Lewis University, Romeoville, IL , Apr 01, 2020

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