Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers and Other Poems by Extraordinary Animals

by Linda Ashman, Aparna Varma (Illustrator)

Learn about animal extremes through playful poems and fascinating facts.

Who’s tops in the animal world? Readers get to find out, as they play a guessing game that uses delightful persona poems to introduce 19 animals who are the best in some way. Each poem offers hints about the identity of an animal and what makes it so amazing. Included are popular categories, such as Biggest Animal Ever (blue whale) and Fastest Short-Distance Runner (cheetah), as well as more unexpected ones, such as Best Engineer (North American beaver) and Longest Tongue (giant anteater). Poems full of personality combined with intriguing science - what a lively and fun way to learn!

Linda Ashman’s original approach to the ever-popular topic of animal characteristics makes for an appealing and informative book that animal lovers of all ages can enjoy. A full right-side page is dedicated to each charming persona poem - a poem written from the animal’s perspective about itself - along with an illustration by Aparna Varma showing just a peek at part of the animal. Turn the page and, on the left side, discover the mystery animal, what category it’s won, some interesting facts, including how the animal’s standout characteristic was measured, and a full illustration. With its introductions to both animals and persona poems, this is that rare book that works equally well for language arts and life science lessons, and as an engaging read-aloud. The content is supported by a glossary, an explanation of persona poems with an activity and more information about animal science and endangered animals.

Genres: Poetry, Nonfiction, Picture Books, Animals, Middle Grade, Childrens, Nature

48 pages, Hardcover

First published June 6, 2023

About the author

Linda Ashman is the author of more than 40 picture books and The Nuts and Bolts Guide to Writing Picture Books . Her books have been included on the "best of the year" lists of the New York Times, IRA/CBC Children's Choices, the New York Public Library and others, and have been translated into many languages. Linda lives with her family in Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Reviews

[Catherine Pratt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so cute and very educational. I love the poems was bout the different animals. What I love more is the little paragraph that is written about the animals.. Slot of the information, I did not know and it was very interesting. The kids would love the information along with everything else. Great book and fun read.

I received a free copy of the book and is voluntarily leaving a review

[Elizabeth Mellen]

Thanks to Netgalley and Kids Can Press for the ARC of this animal poetry book!

I loved this so much! The poems were fun and cute to read, the art was lovely, and the facts about each animal champion were just enough to learn more without being tedious or too long for my 7-year old.

[Jennifer J · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this picture book about animals. It included poems and a guessing game my kids had fun with.

[J · Rating 2 out of 5]

A book that provides the reader a chance to step into the skin of various animals by the usage of mask poetry and to get to know them better.

As a result of this presentation I chose to test my husband by using it where I read the mask poem to him and made him guess on the animal even if it wasn't the specific individual animal species that was named. He did fairly decent until he fell asleep in the telling of the elephant poem so I chose to just finish-up without him.

Champion Chompers, Super Stinkers starts off and ends with a poem that invites the animals to come to a competition to see who is the best at what and then wraps up by confirming that basically all animals are special in their own way. The rest of the book is a dedicated two-page spread for each animal with the poem on the left side and then the revealing of the animal's record on the top of the right page before going into a paragraph giving more information about how the animal reached the record. Although the book does a great job of including different font sizes, word effects and onomatopoeia to add to the charm of the poems the rest of the poem telling was mediocre at best with some that rhymed, most that kind of did and very flow.

In the end it was a pretty decent book and although it did give me insight into some new animals that I hadn't heard of before most of them were actually rather old news to me. Although I also do want to point that the oldest animal record was incorrectly given since there are much longer lived animals than what was named in here particularly the Greenland Shark.

The illustrations were also rather so-so for me with some of the animals looking particular more cartoonish than others such as what is going on with the beaver's incisors ?

And finally the last few pages of the book give some more information on the usage of mask poetry, protecting the animals and of course trying to explain how we measure animals for these records. Fairly decent but not much newsworthy at least for me.

In the end it was a pretty decent book and one that children may enjoy if they haven't had a chance to explore too much of these animal species beforehand. As I did you can use it as a bit of a playful interactive with your young readers, though, if they are animal fans just to see if they may get a few of the records right or just have them read it cover-to-cover.

**I received a free copy of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.**

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready to play around with poetry rhyme and some good 'ole deductive reasoning? Then you will love this informational book. I loved the author's method of introducing each animal with a poem. Each poem gives clues as to what animal is to be discussed. Each animal is also awarded a superlative title like Largest Mammal. Finally, each animal is discussed in an expository paragraph showcasing information that supports the superlative nomination. I think this book would be immensely engaging to elementary age students. As an adult, I also learned about new animals I'd never heard of before and learned new traits about animals that I had heard of but did not know how extraordinary the creature truly is in nature. The endnotes were decent. Other reading recommendations are included but are for new titles that are similar in nature and not necessarily deeper reading into the animals mentioned in this book. As for educators, I think this book would make a perfect read aloud as the audience will be engaged in deducing which animal matches the superlative. The reader may decide to wait to show the pictures until after the poem had been read aloud as the illustrations will give away the animal. I would also advise to limit which animals you read the informational paragraphs out loud. You want to keep your audience engaged and I suspect that how much you read will depend largely on the age and attention span of the audience. FInally, the illustrations in the book were engaging and life-like. I felt the use of illustration rather than photographs was effective and in keeping with the author's writing style and superlative nominations. This is an all around successful information picturebook.

[Lorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do animals really think? This book of about 20 poems uses the mask or persona format to introduce the reader to animals with extraordinary or unique characteristics. Each animal has its own poem, a superlative, and a paragraph of factual information. Digital artwork brings not only the animal to life, but also its habitat. Supplemental material includes a spread about endangered animals, how the superlative measurements are done with animals, how mask poems are written, and a supplemental reading list.

The clever persona format will appeal to elementary age readers from ages 8-12 when reading on their own, but younger children ages 4-7 might also like this read to them especially if they love animals. The poems are fun and would be a great read aloud at circle time or for a pocket poetry program where the kids choose a poem to recite and keep with them.

I would recommend this book for purchase by any school or public library.

This book was provided by the publisher for professional review by SWON Libraries.

[Theediscerning · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun book for the school library, looking at superlative animals in verse form and then more scientifically. Each recto page is a rhyming little piece from the point of view of the boastful critter, and then we turn the page to actually see what it is, both in a pretty characterful illustration and with a paragraph about what makes them so special. We don't look under the waves much, but we do get industrious species, speedy ones, and the extremes of size and of slothing around doing nothing. You could argue that all that – the text, visual and rhyme – could be on one page, allowing us to have twice the contents we do get, but what is here is really not bad at all.

[Gretchen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book that can be used as a mentor text in many ways. Reading and writing inferences is the first thing that comes to mind. Each poem is a great riddle to be solved from both the facts that it shares and a visual clue that is on the page. The fact that the poetry is written with non-fiction facts is great for reluctant readers who love non-fiction and reluctant writers who find facts and rhymes more interesting in writing. Definitely a book to use as a mentor text in both reading and writing.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Linda Ashman crafts mask poems about each "winner" of the stinkiest, the "strongest bite", the "tallest", and on. Poems are enticing with the illustrations by Aparna Varma giving a 'hint' of the winner, then on the next page, the full picture of the animal with a paragraph all about it. There is lots of information at the back, too, including about endangered species, what mask poems are, and Recommended Reading. If one wants to learn about spectacular animals, this is an adventurous way to begin!

[Becky · Rating 3 out of 5]

First sentence: Calling all contestants! Think you're tops? The most? The best? Are you bigger....taller....faster....smaller....stronger than the rest?

Premise/plot: A collection of animal poems. The two-page spreads do NOT go together. This has to be intentional. The poem acts like a RIDDLE asking children to guess the animal. There is nonfiction facts about each animal as well.

My thoughts: I didn't love this one as much as I wanted to. I like the premise well enough and the fact that it includes poetry and nonfiction facts.

[Joyce Uglow · Rating 5 out of 5]

What kid (oops… I mean animal) doesn’t want to be tops? The most? The best? Each two-page spread includes a poem “written” by an animal who brags-it-up! That fun poetry pushes the reader to turn the page to reveal the award-winning animal. Now… not all of the contestants are fast. Some are notable for (gulp!) the longest.. Oh! I can’t tell you. You must get this book for your own home library, school library collection, and as a gift for kids who enjoy contests. They’ll fall in love with these poets (oops… I mean animals).

[Amanda Sanders · Rating 3 out of 5]

These poems about animal super powers have some interesting facts along with a lot of common knowledge. Cheetahs are the fastest and blue whales are the biggest. The terns traveling from pole to pole and having 2 summers was fascinating and the mating practice of the white-spotted puffer fish was even better. Mostly the partial illustrations that go with the poem for guessing the animal that will be revealed on the next page are going to be obvious to an upper elementary animal lover.

[Denice Langley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book should be a part fo every child's birthday gift, every baby shower gift or even a "I found something I think you'd love" gift. I have read it to so many children of all ages, including my 20 something grandson, and everyone of them loved it. Linda Ashman and Aparna Varma have created a book sure to encourage many children to read more. Isn't that what a children's book is supposed to do? Give this book to a child you love, you won't be sorry.

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and playful book about lots of different animals. Brief poems introduce what each animal is the very best at and then a turn of the page reveals the name of the animal and a short blurb of information. Great for kids to flip through or to use in a read aloud setting (though it may be a little long). The illustrations are cartoony and friendly. A wide range of animals represented, back matter includes information about conservation of these and other endangered animals.

[L M · Rating 4 out of 5]

A back and forth of poems and facts, highlighting the superlatives for many species. The mask poems and illustrations provide intrigue and readers can guess what the animal is before seeing it revealed on the next page with illustration and explanation. The poems emphasize action by the animals and feel energetic
Backmatter about endangered animals, measurements, and mask poems; also recommended reading and glossary

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Guessing game poetry, which partly describes an animal on one page, and the reader must turn the page to see if they guessed correctly. More information about the animal is on the answer page. The poetry is written from each animal's point of view. Aparna Varma contributed the appealing animal illustrations. The book concludes with essays on endangered animals, measurements, and mask poems; also a bibliography and glossary.

[Alice · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars
This poetry collection features some extraordinary animals - a list of superlatives of the author's choosing backed up by facts. Tribute is paid to animals with champion chompers (North American Beavers), Super stinkers (a tie) and other categories like heaviest nest, most artistic, and fastest (land category and air category) The poems are short and whimsical supported by illustrations that capture the essence of the animal and it's superlative.

[Courtney Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! Not only did my children love it (4 year old and 6 year old) I also really enjoyed the book! The illustrations were beautiful and the cover really draws you in. The poems were smart and well written and I really enjoyed the little paragraphs that explained more information about the animal. This is the perfect book to gift to anyone with kiddos. 10/10 going in our collection.

[LaBibliodeCaro · Rating 4 out of 5]

The format of this illustrated book was a great idea. Mixing poetry with factual content, kids can not only enjoy a creative introduction to wildlife, but also learn a great deal about each species featured in this book. Besides its educational nature, it is also a great way to learn about biodioversity and the need to protect it. Highly recommended!

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book highlights animals who are fastest, largest, smallest, and stinkiest with a mask or persona poem (written in the voice of the animal) and a brief paragraph about the animal. Back matter includes a glossary, sources, and information on endangered animals. This book will be a fun read-aloud allowing listeners to guess the animal based on the poem.

[Dawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy for review.

What a great book! Students will have a great time guessing the animal by reading a fun poem and looking at beautiful illustrations. On the accompaniying page are facts about that animal. I will definitely be using this in my classroom during our poetry unit.

[Book friends are my best friends · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a delight! I liked the poetic riddle to introduce each animal, and I thought the information for each animal was just the right amount. Perfect for the animal lover, the fact collecting kid, and one who loves to play with words.

[Bakertyl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very cute poems, I wish they didn't put a picture on the poem... the poem describes an animal and the kid should guess the animal, but with an image of part of the animal, my kid could guess about half of them just from the image and the title.
Still very good poems for the age, very re-readable.

[Mary Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun riddle mask poems, most featuring well-known animals, but some unusual ones. The poetry is fun and engaging, and not tied to forms. There's a paragraph of information for each animal with the poem.

[Ellon · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 stars (I loved it)

This was great! Poetry, animals facts, great illustrations, a message about protecting these amazing animals. What's not to love?!?

I really want this to be a BES nominee. I can imagine doing a lot of fun stuff with it, like the mask poems.

[Dina · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mask poems” are used in this book. I like the inclusion of learning about animals, use of poetry, and the discussion of protecting endangered animals/biodiversity. Two thumbs up for this book!--D’Amore

[Erin Buhr · Rating 5 out of 5]

CHAMPION CHOMPERS is a fun collection of poems and information about animals. Each poem in the book is followed by a page of nonfiction information about the poem's feature animal. A great book to read aloud or study up close.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one a lot. The meter scans, guessing is fun, and kids love animal facts. If I'm feeling ambitious next year, I might have the students do some research and then write their own mask poems on the topic they looked up.

[Ileana Renfroe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The stories are laid out as if in a comic book. It didn't feel as if there were "poems" in the story. Overall, the story was a fun read.

[Elisabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super cute book with adorable illustrations! Loved all the information and the artwork was really well done. Highly recommend this book!

Thanks to NetGalley & Edelweiss for the ARCs!