Big and Small, Short and Tall

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3 Children are fascinated with things that are very big and very small, and this well-crafted, concise concept book addresses that interest. Focusing only on animals, Roy touches on dogs, bats, sharks, horses, whales and five others. Each animal group has its largest and smallest members described. The text includes weight, country of origin, modern habitat and some form of comparison that clearly indicates the animal's size: baby chihuahuas are said to weigh less than an orange, and a flying fox bat can stretch its wings as wide as most adults can stretch out their arms. Striking, close-up pen-and-ink drawings further enhance the visualization of size. A grade-appropriate bibliography rounds out this appealing addition to primary nonfiction collections. Elisabeth LeBris, Kenilworth Public School System, Ill.