Fur, Feather, Fin: All of Us Are Kin

PreS-Gr 3—The book opens with a big idea: "All animals on Earth are kin, while not the same outside or in." Various classes of animals are then introduced—birds, amphibians, reptiles, and a few "mixed categories" such as water dweller. Rhyming text is used throughout to define each group and briefly mention its features. For example, the book defines amphibians ("Changing body, smooth, moist skin: that is an amphibian.") and then shows the process of metamorphosis—a tadpole changing into a toad, salamander, frog, or newt. The colorful illustrations work seamlessly with the text to both reinforce the written information and add additional details. Back matter provides more information about each creature covered and gives additional sources for further investigation. Pair this book with Jonathan Tweet's Grandmother Fish: A Child's First Book of Evolution more animal-related science for young learners.