Animal School: What Class Are You?

by Michelle Lord

In this poetic exploration of the five vertebrate classifications--mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and fish--animals come to life in lush color woodcuts. With a focus on trademark characteristics, such as birds' beaks or the scales of fish, the book explains the differences among the five classes. Back matter includes an index and a glossary of scientific terms, as well as a table with information and examples from each classification for cross-referencing.

Genres: Nonfiction, Picture Books, Animals, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Joan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was good enough, but nothing really special. It covers a subject not often explained in the primary grades and notes that the class characteristics always includes some exceptions which are on the bottom line of the chart describing each of the major classes of vertebrates. There is a page afterwards covering what makes an invertebrate an invertebrate but no details are given. The book is done in rhyme which sometimes doesn't flow all that well. However, since this is a subject that there isn't much on in the system, I'll pick up copies.

[Jordan Parker · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was good and a book that my students enjoyed reading.
Genre: Informational
Grades: 2-3

[DeNae · Rating 3 out of 5]

We're learning about vertebrates, so this was a helpful book to help the 8 year old better understand the difference between mammal, reptile, amphibian, bird, and fish.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful art.

[Teresa Bateman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Introducing vertebrates to students, and want a literary element to add to the mix? Here's your chance! Michelle Lord's rhyming text introduces the concept of vertebrates, then goes on to expound on reptiles, mammals, fish, amphibians, and birds in short verses. The book ends with a table showing the characteristics of each of the featured types of animals, a list of some species, and an exception or two to the rule. Despite the title, this is not a treatise on animal classification. It does not go into kingdom, phylum, class, order, etc. It simply focuses on basic types of vertebrates. Michael Garland's textured, patterned illustrations are big enough for group sharing and suit the text well. This would be a nice addition to library collections but where do you shelf it? CIP places it in 596, but an equal argument might be made for 811.

[Nicole Eschweiler · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for children that have an interest in learning about animals and what class they belong too. It tells you about mammals, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and birds. They give you the characteristics of each class and what sets them apart from the others. There are also great pictures that make this book child friendly. This is a very educational book that is easy for children to understand and learn from. Definitely a good book to have in the classroom when teaching this unit in science!

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful introduction to invertebrates for younger children written in rhyme and can easily be read in parts. The poetic writing weaves great vocabulary words such as plumage, ventilate and propel throughout without overwhelming the story. Michael Garland’s digi-woodcut illustrations seem to leap off the page with brilliant colors in Earth- tones. A chart at the end of the book gives examples of characteristics, some species and an exception example for amphibians, birds, fish, mammals and reptiles.

[Pam Page · Rating 3 out of 5]

Non-fiction and poetry mix together with interesting illustrations about all classes of animals. The book appears to be well-researched by the bibliography and websites shared at the end and a thank you to an expert for his review. However, I had to note that "deers" is used in one of the poems and made me wonder if that is now an accepted plural of "deer". I did not find that it is - in my checking "deer" is still used as singular and plural.

[Jeremiah Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

We borrowed this for Classical Conversations Cycle 1.

This is a great book -- simple, rhyming text and beautiful illustrations get the kids (ages 6, 4 and 3) asking us to read it to them again and again. Through it, they are becoming familiar with the commonality of all vertebrates as well as some distinctions that separate some vertebrates from others. This also helps introduce the concept of classification.

Very well done!

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

This new WAW possibility is a great picture book. It has rhyming verse that tells all about vertebrates and the different groups of them. I think this is a great nonfiction title for the list. Reviews list appropriate for K-3 and 1-5. So I do think it would work on the 3-5 list.

[April · Rating 3 out of 5]

Simple, poetic introduction to the five classes of vertebrates. Some of the rhymes felt forced but I appreciated the rhythm that kept the text flowing. I found the illustrations especially appealing. They are very textural & reminiscent of wood block prints.

[Amy Allgeier · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great illustrations and information all different animals. Words mostly flow in poetic form, but there are a few times when it seems to be awkward. However, definitely a great intro to learning about classes. Great for 1st - 5th grade.

[Ruth · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a nice review of how animals are classified with beautiful illustrations and a serviceable poem. It's good at giving the major characteristics of all the vertebrate classes, and has a handy review chart in the back.

[Mrs Mommy Booknerd http://mrsmommybooknerd.blogspot.com · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cool book that has rhyming verse that tells all about vertebrates and the different groups of them. It is a great book for kids that want to learn more about this subject. The pictures are cool and my son liked this book because it was informative and fun. 3 stars

[Kimberly Souza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun way to learn for a little older kids.

[Lauri Meyers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty impressive explanation of very basic differences between animal types and done in rhyme. Short bursts of facts. Great illustrations.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautiful illustrations and rhythmic text--wonderful potential award winner

[Becca · Rating 2 out of 5]

Once again, an author tries too hard to rhyme and is not quite successful. The illustrations are lovely, though, and it does contain some good information.

[Beverly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Poems about the different classes of animals: amphibians, birds, fish, mammals, and reptiles. Beautiful digi-woodcuts by Michael Garland.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great introduction to animal classifications, superbly illustrated.

[Maggi Rohde · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming introduction to animal classification. The rhyming text suffers less than I would have expected from over-complicated vocabulary.