Somewhere Today

by Bert Kitchen

Describes unusual animal rituals of work, play, courtship, and survival

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Childrens

32 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1992

About the author

Bert Kitchen has illustrated more than seventeen books for children. He has worked as an animator, textile designer, fine artist, and commercial artist. He lives and works in London.

Reviews

[Cheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

So many beautiful animal facts books out there. How to choose? Well, I'd say, choose one with a theme, or with plenty of information, or plenty of animals, or addendum maps.... This is pretty, but skimpy and random. The only thing I learned was about the dormouse - no wonder Alice and the Mad Hatter observed it sleeping so much - Kitchen says it's dormant for up to nine months of the year!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Animals are so amazing. Who would've thought that there were so many insane facts left unknown about animals? Skunks standing on their hind legs? Otters using pockets of air to float and insulate themselves?

Bert Kitchen shows the beautiful and awesome wonder of some pretty unique creatures. I love that he manages to handle it with a gentle touch -- filling every sentence with facts, but not taking himself too seriously. In concluding his discussion of the blue bird of paradise's mating rituals, Kitchen says, "He swings to and fro and utters a peculiar grating call. Altogether irresistible."

I love picturing him on deadline, perhaps frustrated and wanting the whole thing to be over already, adding in that extra sentence in the hopes that maybe no one will notice or comment on it.

I'm excited to use this book in my class. It will be featured as a Book of the Week on September 5. http://wp.me/p1JduU-kB

[Rosie Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great nonfiction book. It gives facts about various different kinds of animals. The facts for each animal are accompanied by very well done paintings. I would use this book in my classroom to talk about nonfiction, different kinds of animals, or habitats.