Dogs and Cats

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Jenkins, Steve. 2007. DOGS AND CATS. New York, NY: Houghton Mifflin.
ISBN: 0-618-50767-1

2. SUMMARY
Dogs and cats are the world’s most popular pets but how often do we stop to think about how the miniature models of wolfs and big cats came to be our companions? Steve Jenkins, the Caldecott-Honor winning author takes readers on a fun journey through the history and biology of dogs and cats. The flip book focuses on dogs on one side then cats on the other. Yet each side has little teaser bits of information on the opposing mammal.
The basics of each animal are covered but more importantly, the attractive package also features delicious tidbits of rare facts about each species and amazing torn paper illustrations.

3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
The scientific background concerning the evolution and biology of each species is thorough, yet easy to understand. The text format is logical and clear and repeats with each species on both sides of the book. The teasers offer facts to compare without having to flip the book over and re-read, and there is no overemphasizing how the text turns the most basic and observed behavior of each animal into interesting expository.

The real magic of this book is the design, the style and the illustrations. The torn paper collages look three dimensional and readers will almost want to pet the pages. The text size changes from large with red section headings when discussing broad facts, to small when recounting specific quirks. The small text often serves as captions to the illustrations. Buy two copies for your school library and keep one copy at home because this book is worth repeat readings.

4. REVIEW EXCERPTS
School Library Journal-This is a thoroughly attractive package from start to finish. Shared aloud, it is a treat not to be missed.
Horn Book-An inviting, multidimensional introduction to the pets we love.

5. CONNECTIONS
*Use this book to go further into discussion about dogs and cats or evolution.
Coile, Caroline. ENCYCLOPEDIA OF DOG BREEDS. ISBN 0764157000
Fogle, Bruce. THE NEW ENCYCLOPEDIA OF THE CAT. ISBN 0789480212
Jackson, Ellen. THE TREE OF LIFE: THE WONDERS OF EVOLUTION.
ISBN 0789480212