Thump Goes the Rabbit: How Animals Communicate – A Visual STEM Picture Book about Sounds and Bodies for Kids (Ages 4-8)

by Fran Hodgkins, Taia Morley (Illustrator)

Did you know that animals each have their own unique way to communicate? Birds sing, dogs bark, cows moo—and animals use their ears, tails, feet, and bodies to communicate, too! But what is everybody saying? 

Let’s read and find out about how animals communicate and what they’re talking about!

Thump Goes the Rabbit is filled with bright, accurate art and includes ton of visual aids like sidebars, an infographic, and a hands-on activity all about how to be a citizen scientist and make good observations in your own environment.

This is a Level 1 Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out, which means the book explores introductory concepts perfect for children in the primary grades and supports the Common Core Learning Standards, Next Generation Science Standards, and the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) standards. Let’s-Read-and-Find-Out Science is the winner of the American Association for the Advancement of Science/Subaru Science Books & Films Prize for Outstanding Science Series.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Communication, Science, Nature, Childrens

40 pages, Paperback

First published January 7, 2020

About the author

Fran Hodgkins always loved nature and science, and loved writing as well, so it seemed only logical that she would grow up to write about science and nature for children. Her first book, The Orphan Seal, received the Henry Bergh Children's Book Award from the ASPCA. Her book How People Learned to Fly is an exemplar in the Common Core ELA standards.

Fran has written more than 20 books for young readers. Her most recent, The Secret Galaxy, came out in October 2014 from Tilbury House Publishers.

Fran lives in Midcoast Maine.

Reviews

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great non-fiction picture book about animal communication that can be enjoyed by a wide variety of ages. The text is presented in two formats with a brief sentence appropriate for babies and toddlers on one side and a paragraph on the other that provides more in depth information appropriate for preschool and elementary aged readers. The illustrations are bright and vibrant and detailed as well.

[Anthony · Rating 3 out of 5]

An entertaining and fact filled book on how certain communicate. From the wiggle of an elephant's ears to the flap of a deer's tail, and many more.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thump Goes the Rabbit: How Animals Communicate is a nonfiction title about how animals communicate with other animals in addition to their voices. Cats rub against objects leaving their scents behind to notify others of their territory; bees waggle to show which way and how far away food is; foxes show their bellies to announce their submissiveness; lightning bugs flash their lights to meet others of their own species, and skunks stomp their front feet as a warning before they spray. 11 two page spreads illustrate 11 different animals and the techniques they use to communicate to others. A few sentences are added for detail such as rattlesnake rings making a dry clatter since they are made up of keratin. The author also admits that scientists can have differing opinions about animal behavior, such as why whales breach, and poses the question to the reader which encourages critical thinking skills. The author provides an excellent example of being a citizen scientist by observing a dog and making a list of that pet's behavior. The author lists five sentences on a piece of paper so the readers can see exactly how it is done. The list is clear, straightforward and easy to read. A glossary and a visual comparison between how an animal communicates and how a child might could lead to a fun class activity. This is a Level 1, Let's Read and Find Out Science Title and is ideal for kindergarten through second grade. (The book review refers to the hardback version.)

[Lagobond · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good starter nonfiction book that introduces kids to the various behaviors animals employ to communicate with each other (and with us!). The illustrations are bright and fun, showing the animals in their environment. The drawings are fairly realistic, with just a hint of whimsy to keep younger kids' interest. Some of the animals even "visit" another animal's page, which adds to the joy of discovery.

Each double spread's left-hand page has an expressive intro sentence ("The deer goes FLASH"). The right-hand page goes on to explain the behavior ("If a deer is frightened, it will raise its tail and reveal a white patch on its hindquarters. Easy to see, the white patch tells other deer, "Run now!").

I enjoyed the accurate information and the gorgeous illustrations (the firefly page is my favorite; I also love the happily rubbing cat and the astonished owlets). I'm also a fan of the Citizen Scientist instructions in the back of the book, which teach kids how to record their own animal observations.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

THUMP GOES THE RABBIT teaches about the different ways animals communicate besides just their voice. For example, rabbits thump their feet and deer raise their tails. The book teaches about things that you would normally overlook and what they mean, such as a deer lifting its tail is a sign of danger approaching.

The colors are bright and any animal fan or future scientist would enjoy this book. In the back of the book, there's a section with BE A CITIZEN SCIENTIST: MAKE OBSERVATIONS. I like this section because it encourages children to go out and explore the world around them. There's also a glossary for those words that an emerging reader might not know yet.


Final Verdict: I would recommend this to emerging readers who like animals, exploring, and learning new things. It's a level one book.

This review can also be found on YABC: https://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsno...

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nonfiction text with a fiction feel is the foundation of this book. Back matter that is included: a glossary, a comparison of how animals communicate versus humans, and several pages to encourage students to become a citizen scientists through making observations. Vibrant pictures and interesting information about how animals communicate make this book an overall good read!

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised that I (as a 38 year old animal lover) learned quite a bit from this book. Even though it is a Level 1, I would recommend for ages 5+ because it is detailed beyond what you would assume from the cover. I read it with my 3 year old, and while he enjoyed it, I can't really say he "learned" anything.

[AMY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great informational picture book about animals and how they communicate. I think kids can learn a lot from this one. The illustrations are colorful and show a lot of action. There is a glossary at the end and an activity to learn how to observe and take notes about animal behaviors. Highly recommended for Grades 2-5.

[Molly]

Simple non-fiction text about animals and their unique communication styles. Pull page or two for tot and pre-k. K and older could read whole book.

[Miss Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An elementary and up book about how animals use differnt sounds and body movements to communicate danger and other things to each other.

[Christiana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this. The perfect blend of read aloud and informational, I learned things in a very approachable and interactive way. Going to use this one in the future for sure!

[Sojourn & Ransom · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sojourn rated it 4 stars. idn't like that it was so short, but he liked learning about how animals communicate. Ransom rated it 5 Stars and he liked everything about it.

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Animals have a lot of ways to get their messages across.”

[Marigold Bookhound · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fabulously illustrated guide to ways animals communicate, from the rub of the cat to the rattle of the rattlesnake. Delightful to read and to look at!