Animals in Surprising Shades

Written by Susan Johnston Taylor · Illustrated by Annie Bakst

Why would a bird dance on bright blue feet? Short poems explore nature's most colorful animals.

4.8 Goodreads · 156 ratings

32 pages· ~680L· AR ~4.4

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Poems in simple, playful forms introduce fascinating, colorful creatures from around the world, from the Blue-footed Booby and its special dance to the Picasso Bug and its chemical defense against predators. A science-minded poetry collection for young readers who like to linger and wonder.

From the publisher

A 2025 Eureka! Nonfiction Book Award Honoree - Gold A 2024 CBC Teachers Favorite Award Winner A Bank Street College of Education Best Children’s Books of the Year selection (2024) Named a 2024 Outstanding Science Trade Book by the NSTA/CBC For young poets who love science and young scientists who love poetry, this thoughtful collection of poems about fascinating and colorful creatures found throughout the world invites readers to linger and wonder on every page. Learn why the Blue-footed Booby puts on a special dance or how the Picasso Bug uses its masterful chemical defense against predators. Explore simple and fun poetic forms like the tanka, haiku, and quatrain. Just be sure to take good notes! An interactive component rewards practicing poets seeking to challenge themselves further. With gorgeous illustrations and a rainbow of colors to complement the lyrical and engaging text, this book will fit nicely on the shelves of any classroom or library where kids are interested in science, writing or the arts.

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