Paws, Claws, Hands, and Feet

Physical & Behavioral Adaptation

by Kimberly M. Hutmacher

Go along on the exciting dream journey from morning to night, using hands and feet just like squirrels, monkeys, rats, spiders, frogs, penguins, elephants, lions, kangaroos, pandas, and eagles. Travel to the lush jungle, the African savannah, Australian outback, and to the frozen Antarctic. Finally, as the sun sets, snuggle beneath the covers and snooze, with recollections of animals at play, inspired by the imaginative illustrations of Sherry Rogers. After all, even the wild things need some time to rest after a day of fast-footed play! The “For Creative Minds” education section features a “Paws, Claws, Hands, and Feet” matching activity.

32 pages, Paperback

First published February 1, 2009

Reviews

[Heather]

This simple rhyming book succinctly portrays animals' actions, such as clinging, swooping, and hopping. Young children will enjoy the illustrations, which are done in a doublespread layout. The colors are bright and the illustrations rich and detailed. The book is further enhanced by additional learning activities that are provided at the end of the book.

[Lauri Meyers]

two children have an imagination filled evening exploring animals through short active couplets.

[Eva-Marie Nevarez]

This rating is yet another compromise. Julia says 4, I say 2/2.5, and it gets a 3. :)
I liked the kids imagination in the book, the bed and dresser surrounded by water, frogs and fish. I'm 100% positive Julia was able to relate but the kid had an amazing imagination herself. I'm positive she sees her games in this same manner at times. That was my favorite part of the book.
The text left a lot to be desired for me. Julia seemed okay with it and had no comment when I asked her. I think because the text isn't a story in whole sentences she wasn't sure how to form her thoughts maybe.
"Leaping, lunging,
lily pad plunging...

Dipping, dashing,
iceberg splashing..."

We're both more into whole sentence stories but I have to admit it did have a certain ring to it here. I wouldn't go out of my way to show the book to anyone or recommend it but it was an okay book to add into our afternoon reading.

[Naomi]

The only redeeming grace to this book were the activities at the end and that the kids had a pet rat. Otherwise, BORING. Nothing in the story text of this book stood out.