DOGS AND CATS Book Review

 

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.