Customer Reviews

Curious Critters

5 star:		(13)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is a positively charming book! It features beautiful photos of several animals that are found in our own back yards and teaches readers about them in a creative way, using the voice of each creature. I read this book with a fellow grown woman and we were both giggling as we read it. It's extremely clever and will no doubt be a favorite for readers young and old!

The images of the animals are so colorful and each animal is photographed against the white background to bring out the beautiful and vibrant colors in each animal. It is absolutely beautiful to see. My daughter is so fascinated by each animal and the she was so thrilled to show one of her favorite animals, the "frog".

When turning each page of Curious Critters, you will notice the brilliant images of the animals full of detail. You will be amazed by the colors of all the different animals. Each animal is named and includes a short story to make the animals unique in their own way. It is very interesting and will captivate everyone.

Curious Critters, by photographer David FitzSimmons, is an award winning, eye catching photo book of both familiar and unfamiliar critters that captivated my ten-year-old granddaughter so much that she took it to school to share with her teacher and class the same day the principal brought in his snake. They enjoyed being able to see the animals closely in detail while also learning some interesting facts as humorously told by each one. More facts can be found in the back of the book along with life-size silhouettes for readers to guess which critter is which. I also reviewed Curious Critters on NanasCorner.com where I only review books my grandchildren enjoy reading. Both they and I highly recommend you give this book as a gift to your naturally curious child.

My children absolutely loved this book. The oldest daughter is eleven and she read it to her younger siblings. Even though she has moved onto chapter books, she found this picture book entertaining and educational. My toddler loves the photographs and got more and more excited every time we turned the page

Couldn't wait to see this book come out, because I'm familiar with the author's photography --- I knew it would be top-notch because David just won't settle for less! And it's even better than I anticipated. Every single photo takes your breath away. Every feather and antenna brings you into that creature's world. And the accompanying text is perfect too --- just enough to be fascinating to grown-ups and kids as well. And a follow-up game at the end! I bought one of these for every grandchild. And one for myself too!

I get books across my desk all the time. I occasionally review them for Pet News and Views.com. I said "occasionally" because some of the books aren't worth reviewing. However, Curious Critters is a beautiful book that I am pleased to own. Actually, my 10-year old has swiped my copy. He likes it too. The photos of the critters look like they are going to jump or fly off the pages.--Michele C. Hollow of [...]

My 3rd and 2nd grade girls LOVE this book!

The photos are absolutely amazing and the unique stories and facts are totally intriguing. David takes photos of common North American species like the red flat bark beetle and the bush katydid on a stark white backdrop so the animal's colors, textures and shapes are highlighted. Plus each photo tells a story from the critter's perspective, candidly explaining a characteristic like how a jumping spider actually jumps, and why a black swallowtail butterfly looks like their poisonous cousin.

Can't wait for the author's next children's book! This book would make an excellent addition to your home library (or someone else's - hint, hint - GIFT). Jen from vickyandjencom

Though the text in "Curious Critters" isn't overly detailed, it's perfect for this setting, and the additional blurbs about each critter toward the end helps to fill any apparent holes earlier on. The photographs are clear and incredibly detailed, making the critters appear as if they're literally sitting across from you.

"Curious Critters" is a conversation starter. Children and adults will look at these images with wonder and giggle over the animals' "thoughts." It's a great way of introducing children to the world around them.

Curious Critters is the first children's picture book written by David FitzSimmons. This book features a wide variety of animals found in North America. First of all, the images are amazing! The critters are photographed against a white backdrop in order to highlight, and not clutter, the animal's wondrous colors, and other visual characteristics. David includes a description with each photo that is told from the critter's perspective, both educational and amusing.

Curious Critters even taught me a thing or two. Did you know a jumping spider has fluid inside its eight legs and with changing pressure, it creates movement? Wow!

There is also a section in the back of the book that covers more factual information on the critters presented in this book to read with children when you have more time. My 4 1/2-year-old also thought it was neat to view the life-size silhouettes of the curious critters. There are questions near the back of the book to spur more interest in young readers and a glossary of terms is included. A few less obvious critters are mentioned in the last page of the book to seek out and find for added entertainment.

Curious Critters is great for boys and girls, alike. The images will leave you in aw and I think it could help spur an interest for nature in young readers. I hope to see more children's books by David FitzSimmons in the future.

I received a copy of the book for review. The feelings and thoughts expressed are my own. Original post[...]

Absolutely fabulous book. The photos are brilliant, especially the opossum. Loved the way the author/photographer David FitzSimmons used the white background for each of the animals. Kids will learn about all sorts of "critters" with the captions on each page. Loved the "life-size" at the back of the book. I bought a copy for each of my Grandchildren. If you are looking for a book to give for Christmas, look no further. Can't wait for more from this author!