I loved not only the context of this book but how the author gave each of the animals their very own personalities. I am a huge fan of personifying animals throughout literature, so I thought this was a really cute way to gain young readers attention. I also found this book to be extremely educational for children to read and learn about small critters. I am going to keep this book in mind for my own classroom because of the way the author decided to write the book. The author used a lot of words that jump out to children when they are reading, such as " T-H-W-I-P" while introducing the jumping spider. This would be an all around fun book to read out loud to an elementary class. ( )

The photographs of the animals are outstanding! I find this a book to be enjoyed over and over again. I agree with the author's decision to show the animals with plain backgrounds to eliminate any distractions. I was particularly glad to know this (quoted from the copyright page in the book): "All animals portrayed in this book were handled carefully and not sedated. Some resided at centers dedicated to education, conservation, and rehabilitation. Wild animals were returned to their habitats." ( )

This book is a great information book with great photography. The kids will love to look at the pictures, and learning about the animals. This can be used during my animal habitat unit. ( )

"Curious Critters" is a informational book about different/unique species of animals. From a Arachnids to Resptiles this book gives an snap shot of a in the life of these critters. More interesting is the way the author delivers the intended information. It was told through the critters point of view, either through song or a story. This creates a fun and attention grabbing book. For example in the story the frog is talking about being on the Lilly pad and so fourth. Another attention to this book is at the end when the author provides a scientific background of each featured animal. Great read for third and fourth graders in a science center.

Curious Critters by David FitzSimmons is a fun and engaging take on informational texts. Each page consists of a large colorful photo of a critter, from an American Bullfrog to Virginia Opossum. Along with a jump-out-of-the-page photo is text containing information about the critter from the critters point of view. "Its just no true: I don't give people warts when the touch me." states the American Toad before he goes into characteristics of his species. This informational text also includes a Natural History page containing additional facts of each critter mentioned. A page of the critter's life size silhouettes is also found in the back of the book with colorful life size shadows of each critter, along with questions quizzing the reader. This interactive text would make a great addition to any children's library. ( )