Actual Size

Actual Size
By: Steve Jenkins

As a Children’s Librarian Assistant, I am constantly asked, what are some good children’s nonfiction books that my child might enjoy? Actual Size by Steve Jenkins is at the top of my list. Did you ever look a giant squid in the eye? Have you seen inside a crocodile’s mouth? You can in this book. Jenkins’ artwork is stunning and the renditions of paper cut animals are actual size which allows children to compare their own selves to the animal pictured on the pages of this book. Children can lay their hand on top of the hand of a gorilla, they can put their foot on the actual foot of an elephant, or the scariest for me, see what it would be like if a 12 inch Goliath Birdeater Tarantula was crawling across the floor. At the end of the book are thumbnail images of the featured animals along with more information about their habitat and behavior in the wild. Actual Size is geared to multiple age levels and is an effective tool for connecting children with the wonderful world of non-fiction literature. Jenkins also has written Prehistoric Actual Size, What do you do with a tail like this? (Caldecott Honor Book), and many other nature based books.

Debbie
Russell Memorial Library