Swing, Slither, or Swim

"This text focuses on the unique way nine different animals move. The animals move on land, in the water, and through the sky and include the kangaroo, gecko, bluefin tuna, spider monkey, gazelle, sidewinder, jellyfish, bat, and penguin. In a few sentences per page the mystery of how the animal moves is solved. An additional interesting fact about the animal is included at the bottom of each page. To challenge a reader's memory, the Do You Remember page at the end of the book poses questions about the information found in the book. A Fun Facts section adds additional pieces of information about the animals. The information is enhanced by illustrations of each animal. The collage-like illustrations of the animals appear to have texture and depth. This book includes just enough information to be interesting and useful for a first report on animal movement, but not enough to overwhelm a young reader. Bibliography. Glossary. Index."

"With a lucid, informative text opposite full-page, color collage pictures of animals in action, this inviting picture book in the Animal Wise series explains how nine different animals get around and why they move the way they do. The sidewinder rattlesnake lives in dry, sandy deserts where it is easier to throw itself over the ground than to slide through the sand. The jellyfish movies by jet propulsion-first a big push, then a long glide. Other animals profiled include the kangaroo, gecko, blue-fin tuna, and spider monkey. A map or notes about where the animals live would have been useful, but the lively back pages include a few questions and fascinating facts ("some geckos don't have eyelids"), which add read-aloud fun."