I was in the mood for something warm and fuzzy today and Rabbits (Raintree Perspectives)
Part of a new series called Animal Family Albums, the layout of the book resembles a scrapbook with taped and tacked in scraps of text, and color photographs that look like they have tabs over the corners. Adding to the interest level is a cartoon rabbit that acts as a host or guide throughout. In contrast to the informal look, however, the text is serious nonfiction. The book contains both general information about rabbits and specific descriptions of a number of common – and a few not so common – breeds, from tiny Miniature Lops and Netherland Dwarfs to Continental Giant. The photograph of a young girl holding a Continental Giant that seems almost as big as she is amazing.
Throughout the book are “Family Secret” sidebars with memorable facts about rabbits, including one that says Angora rabbits may have been kept by the Romans (although recent genetic studies have supported historical accounts that rabbits were domesticated in French monasteries). In any case, our domesticated varieties came from the European rabbit, Oryctolagus cuniculus. After seeing Guillan’s mention of a Desert rabbit, I found out our Desert Cottontails (Sylvilagus audubonii) are in a different genus than domesticated rabbits. Another “Family Secret” reveals that European rabbits dig burrows, but most cottontails do not. Even though they look alike to me, obviously all rabbits are not the same.
In the back is a fun quiz for kids to find out what kind of rabbit they are (and reinforce learning).
Children who love animals, are thinking of getting a pet, or have a rabbit for a pet are going to adore reading Rabbits. Educators are also going to like it because it correlates with certain Common Core Standards and is an Accelerated Reader. Cute fuzzies and educational? What a treat!
Suggested activity:
Have children put together a scrapbook-style page of their own about their favorite kind of rabbit.
Bunny Rabbit photograph by Karen Arnold
Rabbits (Raintree Perspectives) by Charlotte Guillain
Reading Level: 2-4
Series: Raintree Perspectives
Publisher: Raintree Perspectives (January 2013)
ISBN-10: 1410949435
ISBN-13: 978-1410949431
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Nonfiction Monday is a blogging celebration of nonfiction books for kids. We invite you to join us. For more information and a schedule, stop by Booktalking to see who is hosting each week.
Today’s round up is at Perogies & Gyoza.