In his children’s picture book CURIOUS CRITTERS (September 17, 2011, Wild Iris Publishing, hardcover) photographer David FitzSimmons turns his camera on a variety of animals common throughout North America. CURIOUS CRITTERS presents stunning images of everyday animals, including a red flat bark beetle, an Eastern spiny softshell turtle, a spotted salamander, and many other intriguing creatures. Each Curious Critter is photographed against a white backdrop, showcasing the animals? colors, textures, and shapes with precision and clarity. Along with each photo is a vignette, told from the critter’s perspective, that educates and entertains. For example, a bush katydid explains her bubblegum-pink color, a poetic opossum opines upon her often-shortened name, and a far-from-modest black swallowtail butterfly lets readers in on her secret for avoiding predators.
Vibrant, glistening, pop off the page beautiful color- these are just a few things I could say that might describe this book, however I don’t think those words do it justice. Don’t just take my word- please, flip through a few sample pages right here.. Wow right? And to tell you frankly, the images on my screen still didn’t compare to the images in the book. I don’t know how to explain it- but it’s true.
Curious Critters is a gorgeous book put together by author/photographer David FitzSimmons. He must know what kids want to see when they look at a book of critters- wow. My toddler and one of the twins (the other was preoccupied) were pretty amazed.
The pictures are more than just pretty faces (!) too. Each page has a mini ‘bio’ of the critter on that page which can teach your kids:
What turtles and humans have in common
Why black swallowtail butterflies impersonates their toxic cousins
How Eastern box turtles can live longer than humans (over 150 years!)
If squirrels can fly
Why crayfish grow new legs
How bats find food
Why frogs sing (kids love trying their hand at singing like a bullfrog!)
How jumping spiders jump and why they never have to look over their shoulders.
You still can’t keep from wondering how?! HOW did he get such insanely gorgeous pictures of these critters? Again, head over to his website and read a little more about the photography techniques he used…
I can’t say enough about the images in this book. And it isn’t because I’m lazy that I haven’t put a bunch of their pictures in this post. Truth is, it just won’t do them justice. You really need to SEE the pages of this book to get what I’m talking about!
I know that this would be the perfect addition for any curious HUMAN critter’s book collection for any occasion. In fact I imagine that we will be revisiting each page for years to come, which is pretty awesome by me.
Here’s another idea: Does your school have a book donation program for their library? I wanted to participate in the Birthday Book Donation program at my son’s preschool but couldn’t think of one that a) they didn’t already have and b) the kids would be fighting over! I cannot imagine a better choice than this.
Connect with Curious Critters on Facebook
Buy It: You can purchase Curious Critters (November 7, 2011, Wild Iris Publishing, hardcover) for $19.95.
Cool bonus if you buy it from the site: “All copies sold here are signed by author and photographer David FitzSimmons. If you wish a personalized dedication, please email your request at the time of your order to orders@curious-critters.com.”
I received a sample for the purpose of reviewing. Opinions expressed are my own or my families and are not influenced by any form of compensation. Take it or leave it. Click here to view my full acknowledgment policy.