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Fur, Feather, Fin―All of Us Are Kin
Come along on a rhyming tour through the amazing animal kingdom—from mammals to millipedes and everything in between—with this engaging picture book about how all creatures are connected!
There are so many wild and wonderful animals in our world. Some have fur, some have feathers, some have fins, but all are connected. This fact-filled rhyming exploration of the diversity of the animal kingdom celebrates mammals, birds, insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and more! It’s a perfect match for budding naturalists and animal enthusiasts everywhere.
There are so many wild and wonderful animals in our world. Some have fur, some have feathers, some have fins, but all are connected. This fact-filled rhyming exploration of the diversity of the animal kingdom celebrates mammals, birds, insects, fish, reptiles, amphibians, and more! It’s a perfect match for budding naturalists and animal enthusiasts everywhere.
48 pages, Hardcover
Published May 1, 2018
4 people are currently reading
167 people want to read
About the author
Diane Lang
20 books13 followersAn effervescent speaker and impassioned naturalist, Diane Lang began working as a docent at the Lindsay Wildlife Museum in Walnut Creek, California in 2001. Over the next decade, she presented public programs about the various wild animals that reside at the museum, led class tours, visited schools, and worked directly with the museum’s non-releasable hawks, owls, falcons, and yes, vultures. Before long Diane was also docenting at Sulphur Creek Nature Center in Hayward and at Eaton Canyon Nature Center back in her hometown of Pasadena where she helped to create innovative nature-focused curricula for student groups.
She’d already served as a reader in the public schools via the Pleasanton Public Library and had read countless books to her son Peter. And before that, she’d honed her writing skills in the publications department at the California Institute of Technology. She holds a B.A. from Cal State Los Angeles.
Diane has written verses for fun all her life, but she started spending more time at it just a few years ago, when she wondered if putting some of the animal information into rhyme would help children remember it. During some programs, she would say to the children that even though we don’t send birthday cards or valentines to spiders and insects, we probably should, because they are some of our best friends! As she wondered what such valentines might sound like, she started having fun with the idea, and Vulture Verses: Love Poems for the Unloved was born.
After sharing her fascination with the natural world and its more exotic animals with children at these three nature centers, Diane goes home to her husband, the acclaimed origami artist and physicist Robert Lang, and her menagerie (which includes the tarantula she travels with), and writes poems about her favorite critters.
She’d already served as a reader in the public schools via the Pleasanton Public Library and had read countless books to her son Peter. And before that, she’d honed her writing skills in the publications department at the California Institute of Technology. She holds a B.A. from Cal State Los Angeles.
Diane has written verses for fun all her life, but she started spending more time at it just a few years ago, when she wondered if putting some of the animal information into rhyme would help children remember it. During some programs, she would say to the children that even though we don’t send birthday cards or valentines to spiders and insects, we probably should, because they are some of our best friends! As she wondered what such valentines might sound like, she started having fun with the idea, and Vulture Verses: Love Poems for the Unloved was born.
After sharing her fascination with the natural world and its more exotic animals with children at these three nature centers, Diane goes home to her husband, the acclaimed origami artist and physicist Robert Lang, and her menagerie (which includes the tarantula she travels with), and writes poems about her favorite critters.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
October 28, 2018
A lovely little non-fiction book in the form of a poem and accompanied by some beautiful mixed-media images. Presented in a landscape format, Lang and Laberis work together to give us an overview of the animal kingdom, from mammals to detritivores. Whilst Laberis' illustrations are graceful and gripping, Lang's cute rhymes do much to show us the similarities and differences in all living things. Although I felt some of the rhyming needed work I have to take my hat off to anyone who can capture in one book, a smart, snappy way of recalling each animal class! At the back of the book, we are provided with a more studious dissemination of the facts as well as a useful glossary. A lovely, lovely book to have in the classroom and (subtly) a very clever nod towards different races and sexualities in people on one double-page spread.
May 23, 2018
It rhymes, it's educational, the illustrations are delightful, it's inclusive! What's not to love?
Spiders and giant squids, that's what.
Spiders and giant squids, that's what.
December 23, 2018
The animal kingdom is just chockablock with diversity and in this rhyming nonfiction work, Lang introduces young readers to six diverse classes of animals - mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, arthropods, and fish - and two different animal categories - water dwellers and detritivores. Within each class and category, Lang manages to describe the characteristics of each class, the similarities they share with each other and their differences. For example, kids learn that mammals such as bears, dogs, and even whales are born not hatched, that the they are fur bearing, and that mama mammals nurse their young, providing them with nourishment and warmth. Turn the page and young readers discover that they too are mammals - diverse yet connected. The rhyme is simple but informative, giving just enough information so that kids aren't overwhelmed with facts they are too young to fully appreciate. This is a really nice introduction to the animal world. Laperis' spot illustrations are naturalistic and warm, and invite readers to explore.
October 22, 2018
This is probably our favourite picture book so far this year, it's truly beautiful. Perfect to read-aloud, it rhymes throughout introducing us to all animals on Earth, all that we share and all that makes us different.
Very educational and very accessible. Come and find it today at Harcourt Hill Library :)
Very educational and very accessible. Come and find it today at Harcourt Hill Library :)
December 17, 2018
Nice beginning science book about animal families. I love the pictures and easy ways to identify animals. Back matter adds detail, if desired.
May 22, 2018
This is a GORGEOUS children's book! The story takes us on a journey though the animal kingdom from mammals all the way down to millipedes, teaching with beautiful illustrations about how all creatures are connected!
I loved how the story had a rhyming direction as you follow along and look at all of the creatures with fur, feathers and fins and how they are all connect in some way. There is so much diversity in the animal kingdom and I feel this book explores and demonstrates this in a fun way with the pictures that are eye catching and colorful. I highly recommend adding this book to your collections, no matter your age!
Find me on Instagram to see a video of the embossed cover art @asimpletasteforreading, it's amazing!
I loved how the story had a rhyming direction as you follow along and look at all of the creatures with fur, feathers and fins and how they are all connect in some way. There is so much diversity in the animal kingdom and I feel this book explores and demonstrates this in a fun way with the pictures that are eye catching and colorful. I highly recommend adding this book to your collections, no matter your age!
Find me on Instagram to see a video of the embossed cover art @asimpletasteforreading, it's amazing!
September 27, 2019
This book is a fantastic non-fiction picture book explaining, and highlighting, the different animal groups in rhyming text with exuberant illustrations. The author provides back matter with additional explanation not to be missed, and note to teachers specifically. A definite for any classroom or school library, especially a must for any grade level teaching animal classifications.
September 19, 2020
Made me cry, so a good picture book
January 5, 2019
I immediately read this when it arrived via the post since I was so looking forward to the darling illustrations and each page was a little treasure trove that did not disappoint. Both myself and my art/yoga students (ages 4-12) will love exploring the pages and identifying the variety of animals in each double-page spread. My favorites included the otters, rays, owl, snails, and slugs! I was most excited to see Detritivores included in the animal categories since these creepy crawlers are often overlooked. Who knew little centipedes could be cute?!
The only thing I found lacking in this book at all was the cadence- I’m a sucker for rhyming books and as a teacher for over a decade, I’ve read aloud more books than I can count, but I will need to re-read this a couple times before my lesson tomorrow so I am more comfortable with the rhythm because it isn’t immediately apparent how best it ought to be paced. This cadence and rhythm kept it from a 5 star rating in my book.
I might also have liked just a little more warm and fuzzy filler on the concept that “all of us are kin” as the text leaned heavily on teaching categorization and classification of animals, but a bit too light on the “circle of life,” save for a few gentle references to the food chain. I was happy to find two pages of discussion at the end comparing and contrasting animals and humans, but again- a bit more warm and fuzzy love for the interconnected web of existence would have made this a 5 star book for me.
For illustrators, teachers, and nerdy book lovers, this won’t fall short I am sure and I am plenty glad I added it to my collection!
The only thing I found lacking in this book at all was the cadence- I’m a sucker for rhyming books and as a teacher for over a decade, I’ve read aloud more books than I can count, but I will need to re-read this a couple times before my lesson tomorrow so I am more comfortable with the rhythm because it isn’t immediately apparent how best it ought to be paced. This cadence and rhythm kept it from a 5 star rating in my book.
I might also have liked just a little more warm and fuzzy filler on the concept that “all of us are kin” as the text leaned heavily on teaching categorization and classification of animals, but a bit too light on the “circle of life,” save for a few gentle references to the food chain. I was happy to find two pages of discussion at the end comparing and contrasting animals and humans, but again- a bit more warm and fuzzy love for the interconnected web of existence would have made this a 5 star book for me.
For illustrators, teachers, and nerdy book lovers, this won’t fall short I am sure and I am plenty glad I added it to my collection!
July 18, 2018
Fur, Feather, Fin: All of Us Are Kin – Diane Lang, illustrated by Stephanie Laberis, Beach Lane Books, (9781481447096), 2018.
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 1-5: (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Genre: Non-fiction
What did you like about the book?
The diversity of the animal kingdoms is introduced and celebrated here, starting with mammals and birds, then amphibians and reptiles, arthropods, and fish. Each category’s characteristics are stated in rhyming couplets, “Milk to drink and furry hide, mammals keep warm from inside.” The rhyming structure could help little ones remember the facts they are learning. Throughout, both diversity and interconnectedness are emphasized. For instance, the illustrations for humans show six extremely different families (African, father-only, traditional Caucasian, Muslim, Indian, and lesbian), connected in that each is holding a newborn. Some of the poetry is a little strained, “And while we’re different here on Earth, / in eating, moving, giving birth, / common things make us complete: / minds that work and hearts that beat.” Besides animal kingdoms, there are also sections on water dwellers and detritivores -- worms and bugs that “dine on things both dead and rotten.” The appealing illustrations reinforce the information the text conveys. Additional information about the interconnectedness of life on earth as well as a few more facts about each animal category appears in the final pages along with suggestions for how readers can help animals.
Format: Hardcover
Rating: 1-5: (5 is an excellent or a Starred review) 4
Genre: Non-fiction
What did you like about the book?
The diversity of the animal kingdoms is introduced and celebrated here, starting with mammals and birds, then amphibians and reptiles, arthropods, and fish. Each category’s characteristics are stated in rhyming couplets, “Milk to drink and furry hide, mammals keep warm from inside.” The rhyming structure could help little ones remember the facts they are learning. Throughout, both diversity and interconnectedness are emphasized. For instance, the illustrations for humans show six extremely different families (African, father-only, traditional Caucasian, Muslim, Indian, and lesbian), connected in that each is holding a newborn. Some of the poetry is a little strained, “And while we’re different here on Earth, / in eating, moving, giving birth, / common things make us complete: / minds that work and hearts that beat.” Besides animal kingdoms, there are also sections on water dwellers and detritivores -- worms and bugs that “dine on things both dead and rotten.” The appealing illustrations reinforce the information the text conveys. Additional information about the interconnectedness of life on earth as well as a few more facts about each animal category appears in the final pages along with suggestions for how readers can help animals.
June 18, 2019
I loved the way this book was setup. This children’s book provided a lot of information as it cataloged the different types of animals in the world. From mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, arthropods, fish, water dwellers, and detritivores this picture book covers them all. The illustrations were bright and detailed enough to enjoy.
I liked how the author talked about each section of animal separately and what made this section of animals unique from the others. Whether that be because they have jointed legs, keep warm from the inside, or dine on things that are dead and rotten, these animals make up our world. The book has a rhythm to it as you read it and I soon found myself caught up in its rhythm and I had to read it through a few more times slower, so I could take in the wonderful illustrations.
I loved the contrasting colors that were used on the pages, as they really set off the animals against the background. The text is not hard to read and I think children will enjoy picking up this book over and over again. The author included some metamorphosis illustrations and illustrations of animals flying which looked very realistic. Cute and educational book that I really enjoyed and I think kids will too.
I liked how the author talked about each section of animal separately and what made this section of animals unique from the others. Whether that be because they have jointed legs, keep warm from the inside, or dine on things that are dead and rotten, these animals make up our world. The book has a rhythm to it as you read it and I soon found myself caught up in its rhythm and I had to read it through a few more times slower, so I could take in the wonderful illustrations.
I loved the contrasting colors that were used on the pages, as they really set off the animals against the background. The text is not hard to read and I think children will enjoy picking up this book over and over again. The author included some metamorphosis illustrations and illustrations of animals flying which looked very realistic. Cute and educational book that I really enjoyed and I think kids will too.
June 30, 2018
Exploring the classes of animals, this nonfiction picture book is written in rhyming text. The book looks at mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, arthropods, fish, water dwellers, and detritivores. Each class of animal is explained, including their unique attributes and how they are similar to other animals as well. The focus is on the web of creatures around the world, celebrating the varied nature of life.
The book is filled with facts, including a section at the back that offers even deeper information on each class of animal. Far more than just basic types of animals are explored here and young readers will learn new terms for animals like worms, crabs and insects. This very readable book is accompanied by illustrations that show how different these creatures are, from those under the sea to creatures who mature through various stages to those that fly.
An approachable book that offers lots of information in a very flexible and light way. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
The book is filled with facts, including a section at the back that offers even deeper information on each class of animal. Far more than just basic types of animals are explored here and young readers will learn new terms for animals like worms, crabs and insects. This very readable book is accompanied by illustrations that show how different these creatures are, from those under the sea to creatures who mature through various stages to those that fly.
An approachable book that offers lots of information in a very flexible and light way. Appropriate for ages 5-7.
December 23, 2018
As a former science teacher, a lot of the statements in this book bothered me. Even using "kin" seemed too colloquial. When the book moves into classification, it highlights 4 of the 5 classes of vertebrates, but inexplicably throws arthropods in before fish. Then it says, "all fish have bones," which is not true, lumps several groups together as "water dwellers" and throws in the word 'detrivores." Before it's over it refers to the commonality of all animals having "minds that work and hearts that beat," which is not true, either. While the "water dwellers" clump is explained in the back matter, the "all fish have bones" is repeated yet again. (What about the cartilaginous fish, such as sharks?)
August 13, 2018
This is an exceptional beginning for very young children to understand the animal world and how we are part of it. Lang moves through different types of animals, with simple explanations about each. Then she connect all to our human family, and each other. There is brief, additional information about each category of animal in the back matter, along with suggested websites. Stephanie Laberis' illustrations are vibrant, active, and perfectly complement the writing.
There are even some higher level vocab words that can challenge a little older reader, or explained by the adult reading to the child.
Highly recommended.
There are even some higher level vocab words that can challenge a little older reader, or explained by the adult reading to the child.
Highly recommended.
November 4, 2019
Rhyming text introduces the rich variety of life on earth, working within general categories from the familiar (mammals) to the lesser-known (detritivores) to describe the various ways animals look, eat, and live. The illustrations are beautiful, showing diverse humans as well as diverse animals, including people of different skin tones, family configurations, styles of dress, and body size. This book could easily be used for a variety of ages, from toddlers through early grade schoolers. Informational text at the back of the book provides further details and resources for learning about the animals pictured and mentioned in the book.
Themes: Animals; Nature/Science; Diversity
Themes: Animals; Nature/Science; Diversity
August 18, 2018
A rhyming book which relates how creatures in the animal kingdom are different and how they are connected. The cover caught my eye, beautiful artwork. I read this to my 4 year old daughter and every time I turned a page she would excitedly shout out about what kind of animal it was, mentioned whether they were swimming in water or flying in the air, or digging underground. I couldn’t read the words until her excitement simmered down. The pictures were vibrant and she loved it. My 6 year old son also liked this playful book. Simple, beautiful, entertaining, educational.
November 15, 2018
A well illustrated book which classifies animals. It does this through a poem rather than paragraphs of facts which is much more appealing for children. However, if children want more information they can read more about the different classifications of animals at the back of the book.
The book also gives simple and accessible tips of how we can help protect animals as well as some recommendations for further reading.
I liked the way when explaining that humans are mammals and have babies the authors chose to illustrate a variety of families.
The book also gives simple and accessible tips of how we can help protect animals as well as some recommendations for further reading.
I liked the way when explaining that humans are mammals and have babies the authors chose to illustrate a variety of families.
February 19, 2019
This is a great introduction to animal classifications. The text rhymes and does so effortlessly without a lot of pacing gymnastics needed to make it sound good. It really flows nicely. The artwork is a great pairing with the text in portraying important and accurate information while being amusing and playful at the same time. This is a must buy for all school libraries and would be valuable in classroom libraries K to 5 and MS where picture books are welcome (which should be all MS classrooms).
October 7, 2019
A beautiful non-fiction poem which explores the various types of living things that the world has to offer us, from Water Dwellers deep in the ocean to Anthropods making their way through different vegetations. I loved the emphasis upon the variety of differences within each group of beings, with so many variations in form, habbitat and diet. At the same time, Lang and Laberis make it clear that we all have a place in the world, and are made one through the fact that we can all live togther. A super story to read to a class or to springboard further investigations.
June 6, 2018
Information shared in rhyming text, four pages for each animal class plus pages for water-dwelling and detritivores. I'm not sure why water-dwelling creatures got their own pages while others did not (e.g., hibernating, burrowing). Great info at the end for each group as well as how to help animals and learn more (it's interesting that the only specific titles mentioned are both from DK Publishing).
April 4, 2019
What a beautiful book about all of the diverse creatures in our world. I love how it is broken down into animal types - something that I believe will lend it to use in classrooms. Animal lovers will enjoy the lovely and lively depictions of different kinds of animals and perhaps learn something new along the way. Everyone will enjoy the pleasing and informative text. A creative, interesting, and completely lovely nonfiction book for kids.
May 22, 2018
I normally don't make an effort to seek out rhyming picture books, I find them when I find them, but the rhyming scheme in this book is noticeably strong. The illustrations are also extra special - soft and detailed with layers of color. The message of this book is so important, and I appreciate the diversity shown among the humans as well.
June 30, 2018
Wonderful nonfiction picture book that highlights different animal groups with rhyming text and gorgeous illustrations. While the text showcases the diversity in animal populations, the overall focus is how all animals are connected. Also includes exceptional back matter with definitions of animal groups, ways to help animals, and further reading suggestions.
July 20, 2018
A beautiful, simple book of living things. Minimal, rhyming text makes this an excellent read-aloud for children in preschool even up towards 3rd or 4th grade, in my opinion. For preK and toddlers, could make a good lap-read. In general, this is a very educational book that is approachable for children of all ages.
November 28, 2020
This book is a collection of poems full of animal facts that show how we're connected to all of the species that surround us. The author used great word choices that describe the complex life stages and ecosystems of the planet in a way for children to understand. This would be a great book to use as an introduction to a unit on animal species.
June 23, 2018
I think I will use this book to kick off a research project for 1st or 2nd grade. I will assign them an animal group, and they will each choose an animal in that group. They will research their animal and find facts.
January 11, 2019
One of the best children's books I've read in a while! And I've read a lot of good ones recently! Learning, fun, exploration, beautiful illustrations. High on the recommendation list for learning about the different groups of animals, a book with exploratory illustrations, or a fun bedtime read.
January 23, 2020
A little weird in that it starts with classes then does a quick catch up with ocean dwellers as a group and detritivores. But in general a solid introduction to classes with simple memorable explanations and illustrations.
May 5, 2018
Fur, Feather, Fin- All of Us Are Kin is a great introduction to animal classification for young readers. The illustrations are beautiful.
May 16, 2018
A beautiful look at many animal groups.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews