1.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, Steve. Dogs
and Cats. New York: Houghton Mifflin Company, 2007. ISBN
978-0-618-50767-2
2.
PLOT SUMMARY
Do you like cats better than dogs or dogs better than
cats? Jenkins delivers an inventive children’s informational, picture flip-book
loaded with animal history, visual and informational facts, related facts and
realistic illustrations. This is an inviting introduction for children to explore
more facts about their pets highlighting physical and behavioral
characteristics.
3.
CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Children love to talk about their pets and Jenkins has
produced a fascinating, picture book filled with scientific facts and
illustrations for children to learn more about the dogs and cats they adore.
The book is designed in a flip-style comparison format so the reader can read
about one species and flip it over to read about the other. Associated facts
are placed in various places on the page to add even more topics for
conversation. At the bottom of the dog side of the book in red typeface is the
phrase, “If you’d like to read about cats, just turn the book over and start
from the other side.” Then at the top corner of the dog breeds’ section is a
fact about cats, “The first domestic cats were kept to kill mice and rats.” Similarly,
from the cat book about kittens is a little note about puppies, “Puppies are
also helpless at birth.” The cover and the title page are both created with
either the word, dog or cat, in a significantly larger font.
Written in conversational style narrative, the text is
set in Syntax Roman and bold with varying font size. The section headings are
in a larger font and red typeface to introduce large blocks of text and
illustrations covering behaviors, life cycle, parts of the anatomy, facts, and
an I wonder section. Under the I wonder section heading, are subheadings
written in black typeface asking relevant questions of the species. Children
will have their driving questions answered such as, “I wonder why dogs chase
balls?” or “Why do cats purr?” Even adults will enjoy reading these interesting
facts. Each species’ body is pictured with a labeling format that does not name
the feature but includes key information about the body features. For example,
children will learn how dogs walk on their toes and how cats use their tails to
communicate with other cats.
Children will have a difficult time establishing the
accuracy of Jenkins’ facts since Dogs and Cats does not have a resource
page or notes. On his website, Jenkins discusses how he consults books and the Internet for
accurate representations. Jenkins is not an expert in
science, however, he has a genuine interest and his reputation and awards support the information's authenticity.
Jenkins’ subdued cut and torn paper collages
compliment the text by highlighting the featured breeds by showing texture,
color, and body form that is mesmerizing. It is almost like you can reach out
and pet the animals. The breeds can be identified with labeling under or above
the accurate depictions of the animals. A Border Collie appears to have a grin
with one ear up compared to a Great Dane that is standing at attention. A tiger
is compared to a house cat as both appear to leap at their prey. The
illustrations and information balance each other as the size of the font is
reduced to align with the illustrations on a double page spread with adequate white
space separating each section. In the center, the cat and dog meet bringing the
two halves together on a double page spread as they appear curled on their
backs with the question, “Friends or enemies?”
Children will delight learning and sharing the
information about dogs and cats with Jenkins’ visually appealing informative
book. A dog loving second grader read the book closely and enjoyed sharing it with her partner. She was animated as she shared how her dog looked like one in the book and how she liked cats, too. Dogs and cats or cats and dogs, whichever one you read about first, will entertain and invite children to learn more about these two
favorite pets.
4.
REVIEW EXCERPT(S)
School Library Journal Best Books of the Year Winner
2007
“Jenkins clearly presents scientific information in
this uniquely styled flip-book comparison of dogs and cats. The extensive text
and sidebars explicate characteristics, along with plenty of trivia. Muted
cut-paper illustrations convey texture, color, and form. Generous formatting
leaves room for small illustrations in page corners to earmark tidbits about
the opposite species. An inviting, multidimensional introduction to the pets we
love.” From Horn Book Guide, October 01, 2007
“This could have been just another book about pets,
albeit with a clever gimmick (after reading about one of the species,
youngsters can flip the volume over to learn about the other). However, Jenkins
has created a book that reaches beyond the mundane and into the spectacular.
The two halves of this whole are intertwined throughout. The lively narrative
provides a copious amount of information, examining each species in human
history, describing evolution and domestication, highlighting physical
characteristics and behaviors, and finishing up with amazing facts about each
animal. The layout is excellent, with images dominating the text. Jenkins's
cut- and torn-paper collages are stunning. Rough edges look like tufts of fur;
patterns in the paper give these flat images vitality. This is a thoroughly
attractive package from start to finish.” From School Library Journal, May 01,
2007
5.
CONNECTIONS
Students will meet the author by exploring Steve
Jenkins’ website at http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/
Students will watch a video of Steve Jenkins
demonstrating the layers of a collage illustration and illustrating on
different types of paper.
Students will create their own collage illustration after reading one of Steve Jenkins other books, such as, Eye to Eye, What Do you Do When Something Wants to Eat You?, Biggest, Strongest, Fastest, or Bones.
Celebrate National Pet Week in May with lessons from
the American Veterinary Medical Association at http://www.petweek.org/lessons.html
to include taking care of pets and unwanted pets.
Students will continue learning about pet care through
the Humane Society at http://www.humanesociety.org/parents_educators/lesson_plans_for_teachers.html
Students will visit a local veterinary clinic and see
how the animals are the veterinarians take care of the animals. Students will compare how large animals and small
animals are cared for in a veterinary clinic to include the different needs and
facilities required.
Students will take a class survey comparing cats and dogs’
preferences and create a bar graph to reflect the results.
