I See Animals Hiding

by Jim Arnosky

Children's Literature. This 1995 book by Jim Arnosky is now out of print. As with most of Arnosky's work, this little book deals with animals. In this case, the author addresses the almost magical ability that animals in the wild possess to stay hidden from sight; how their colors match the colors and patterns of the places where they live and protect them...camouflage. The author addresses animals, birds and fish. Each small animal or bird is given a two page spread and each is somewhat hidden in its natural surroundings as portrayed by Arnosky's considerable artistic talent. A smooth prose is use to describe the creature being searched for, and something of their natural habitat. This is an almost rhythmic prose which is quite suited for the subject matter. The author has given us a good mix here. Some of the animals are somewhat easy to spot, while others are more difficult. No artistic trickery is used here; all is natural. Even the astute adult reader will have just a wee bit of trouble finding some of the critters such as the sphinx moth, garter snake and herd of twenty deer. If you are starting to introduce your child to the wonders of nature, then this is a very good choice for one of the books to begin with. Ideally, after reading this work and others like it, long walks in the woods, fields or along streams will work wonders in increasing the child's awareness of what is around them. This is a fun book to read with your child as they delight in finding the animals and there is an opportunity to have many, many wonderful discussions about nature and the creatures we share this planet with. This is a great addition to any child's library.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Nature

24 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1995

About the author

Jim Arnosky was born in New York City, NY Sept 1, 1946. He was raised in Pennsylvania. Jim graduated from high school in Philadelphia and joined the US Naval Reserves. His active duty took him to Maryland and Bremerhaven, Germany.

In 1976 Jim and his wife Deanna moved to Vermont with their two daughters where they have lived in an old farmhouse for the past 28 years. 17 of those years were spent raising sheep.

Jim is self taught in writing, art and the natural sciences. He has written and illustrated 86 books on nature subjects and has illustrated 46 other books written by various authors. He has been awarded the Christopher Medal, Orbis Pictus Honor, ALA Gordon Award, and Outstanding Science book awards from National Science Teachers Associations.

Jim loves to fish, boat, and play his guitar. In his work, he uses a Betacam SP video camcorder with a 1600 mm lens to record the wildlife he and Deanna find all across the country.

Reviews

[Abigail · Rating 3 out of 5]

Prolific children's author and artist Jim Arnosky, known for his many works of natural history for young people, describes the way various species of animal hide in plain sight in this lovely picture book. Woodcocks with patterns and colors that blend in with dry leaves; wary deer who lie down in summer grass and hide amongst winter trees; snowshoes hares, arctic foxes, long-tailed weasels and snowy owls who blend in with snow; screech owls and moths who blend in with tree bark—these and other animals are profiled here...

Published in 1995, I See Animals Hiding is the forty-fifth book I have read from Arnosky, which is surely a testament to the high regard in which I hold his work! As with so many of his other titles, it paired an informative and engaging narrative with beautiful watercolor artwork. The theme here, of animals who hide themselves in their natural environments, is well captured in both text and illustration. It is further augmented by a search-and-find element, as the book instructs the readers to find various hidden animals in the artwork. Recommended to young animal lovers, and to fellow Jim Arnosky fans.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

PARENTS!! DO NOT LET YOUR KIDS WITH A BLUE PEN SCRIBBLING LIBRARY BOOKS This is a great well illustrated book. I enjoyed it so much until I got to the blue scribble marks! SHAME SHAME!! This is going on my staff picks so come take a look at it (just ignore the blue ink it is only one page :-( )

[Colleen · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's cool how the book shows animals camouflaging in nature. I especially loved how it showed the owl and moth camouflaged during the day and then more visible on the next page. I like the art and what the book teaches, although it is a little wordy and bland. Still a good informational book though!

[Andrea Renfrow · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Jim Aronsky and this is one we've read over and over again through all ages. From introducing littles to counting and camouflage to assigning a "reading break" during a fourth grade science camp, this book is a lovely addition to the Homeschool classroom library.

[Carly Hales · Rating 4 out of 5]

Simple and fun. Great for animal lovers.

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Realistic art, informative, but wordy.

[Sarah Threlkeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book illustrates all the different ways animals hide and adapt to their environment so they won't be seen. A few pages prompt the reader to search for hidden animals, which is fun. Good read aloud for primary students.

[Samantha Penrose · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very informative but a little bland. Probably wouldn't hold the attention of a 3 or 4 year old, but perfect for 5 and 6 year olds. Interesting info about animals camouflaging themselves.

[Deborah Harris]

AR Quiz No. 60904 EN Nonfiction
Accelerated Reader Quiz Information IL: LG - BL: 3.7 - AR Pts: 0.5
Accelerated Reader Quiz Type Information AR Quiz Types: RP

[Elanor]

All by herself!

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

1997 Good nature story. Alissa had trouble seeing the deer in the forest.

1998 Great illustrations.