Synopses & Reviews
When children learn to recognize and read animal tracks theyand#8217;re actually mastering an ancient language of shapes and patternsand#8212;and gaining knowledge of the natural world. Acclaimed artist and naturalist Jim Arnosky has created a breathtaking and informative reference on the subject, filled with intricately drawn prints from creatures both wild and domestic, as well as large-scale paintings of the animals in their environment. Some of the art, labeled in Arnoskyand#8217;s own handwriting, even looks as if it came straight out of his personal notebooks. And best of all, many of the tracks are true to size, so kids can compare the trace left by a big-footed polar bear (whose paws act as snowshoes in its icy home) with that of a small bird. Adding to the eye-catching illustrations are four awesome gatefolds that display paintings of a bobcat, wolf, deer, and a variety of hoofed animals right next to their prints. Every spread has plenty of details on how to interpret the footprint, and the featured menagerie includes bighorn sheep and goats, chipmunks and rabbits, grizzlies and brown bears, horses and burros, domestic cats and dogs, and even slithering reptiles! This is the perfect gift for a budding naturalist, animal lover, or artist.
Jim Arnosky has been honored for his overall contribution to literature for children by the Eva L. Gordon Award and the Washington Post/Childrenand#8217;s Book Guild Award for nonfiction. Many of his books have been chosen as ALA Notable Books, including Drawing from Nature, a Christopher Award-winner. Wild Tracks! is Jimand#8217;s 100th book for children.
Review
*"This is a splendid example of Arnosky's skill at making natural history come alive for young readers.and#8221; and#8212;
Kirkus Reviewsand#160;(starred review)and#160;"...a terrific beginning field guide...the uniformly lovely illustrations and the compelling concept make this a book that young naturalists will enjoy year-round." and#8212;
Booklistand#160;*"Arnoskyand#8217;s infectious enthusiasm for nature is evident...The author invites readers to notice the variations among the tracks of different animals native to North America and the ways that the tracks of individual species can change and fool us. Readers learn that bears walking on slippery surfaces splay their toes so that their tracks give the impression of a larger animal. Arnosky lets children in on these insidersand#8217; tips with the amiable tone of a knowledgeable guide. Three kinds of illustrations support the text. The left side of each spread displays one of the artistand#8217;s signature paintings with a colorful setting backing up a precisely rendered animal. Pencil sketches of rows of tracks with measurements hint at the notebook he keeps (and surely hopes that his young readers will keep as well). Finally, life-size paintings of indented prints serve as a guide for readers lucky enough to find an animal track for comparison. Four fold-out pages add to the appeal of the book as a package...this new entry is worthy of purchase for its inviting format and its promising premise that kids can find tracks, interpret them, and have a great time outdoors." and#8212;
School Libraryand#160;Journal, starred reviewand#160;
and#160;and#160;2009 ALA Notable
Named to 2008 School Library Journal's Best Books of the Year List
Winner of the 2008 ASPCAand#174; Henry Bergh Childrenand#8217;s Book Award in the Nonfiction Environment and Ecology category
Review
Praise for Beachcombing: "Naturalist Jim Arnosky offers tips for Beachcombing: Exploring the Seashore, with which young explorers can identify different shells, crabs, jellyfish and other seaside treasures, all warmly illustrated (some life-size) by the author. With an ever-present eye toward respecting and studying nature, Arnosky explains how palm trees form and the fossilization of shark teeth, among other topics related to the ebb and flow of life on the shore."—Publishers Weekly
"While this is a helpful resource for the very young student, it is also a wonderful book for parents and caregivers to share with youngsters before, or during, a visit to the seashore... The book has a playful tone, reflecting a love of the beach and the illustrations will encourage the beachcomber in readers of all ages."—Children's Literature
"Young beachcombers will discover old and new ideas about collecting or just identifying their finds, and the book will appeal to those children who are looking for relaxing fun."—School Library Journal
"An enticing read before any trip beachward, from a veteran naturalist."—Kirkus Reviews
Awards for Jim Arnosky's books:
Top Ten 1998 Animal Books for Children, Booklist: Little Lions
Best Children's Books of the Year, Children's Books Committee at Bank Street College: Little Lions
Society of School Librarians International Honor Book: Rabbits and Raindrops
Review
Praise for Jim Arnosky:and#160;
Wild Tracks:
*"This is a splendid example of Arnosky's skill at making natural history come alive for young readers.and#8221; and#8212;Kirkus Reviews (starred review)and#160;Slither and Crawl:
*"Arnosky's painterly eye and personal observations match handsomely in this face-to-face experience. . . . Neat foldouts . . . add an interactive touch to the artist's outstanding acrylics. [A] handsome, informative book . . ." and#8212;School Library Journal (starred review)and#160;Thunder Birds:
Elegant in format and artwork, this book will not accompany young birders into the field, but will be a rich resource for remembering special sightings, and inspire them to keep their eyes on the sky." and#8212;School Library Journal (starred review)
Review
*"This is a splendid example of Arnosky's skill at making natural history come alive for young readers.and#8221; and#8212;
Kirkus Reviews (starred review)and#160;"...a terrific beginning field guide...the uniformly lovely illustrations and the compelling concept make this a book that young naturalists will enjoy year-round." and#8212;
Booklistand#160;*"Arnosky's infectious enthusiasm for nature is evident... Four fold-out pages add to the appeal of the book as a package...this new entry is worthy of purchase for its inviting format and its promising premise that kids can find tracks, interpret them, and have a great time outdoors."and#8212;
School Library Journal, starred reviewand#160;2009 ALA Notable
Named to 2008 School Library Journal's Best Books of the Year List
Winner of the 2008 ASPCAand#174; Henry Bergh Children's Book Award in the Nonfiction Environment and Ecology categoryand#160;
Review
*"Arnosky's painterly eye and personal observations match handsomely in this face-to-face experience . . . handsome, informative." and#8212;School Library Journal (starred review)
Review
and#8220;Lions and tigers and bears . . . and, well, a bunch of others in this look at some of the biggest animal carnivores on land . . . Lush acrylic paintings and descriptive text depict each predator's physical characteristics, habitat, hunting methods, diet, and special features, with an emphasis on how they contribute to the animal's survival in the wild . . . Four foldouts offer larger images of some of these amazing creatures, while pencil drawings in the margins give readers the feeling that they are turning the pages of Arnosky's sketchbook . . . A great match for children who like their animals extra wild.and#8221; and#8212;Booklistand#160;and#8220;Arnosky has been writing and illustrating books on nature and the environment since the 1970s and here focuses his artist's eye on the big predators of the world: lions, tigers, bears (oh my!), several other big cats, and wolves. Full-page, acrylic paintings grace every other page as well as the cover; in addition, four foldouts spill across two pages. The author also includes small, carefully rendered pencil sketchesand#8212;a typical bear skull or spot patterns on a dappled coat. Arnosky's text is highly personal, including details about how he created the paintings and his experiences tracking mountain lions . . . Included is a list of other titles for readers whose curiosity has been piqued by the brief text and by the author's obvious enthusiasm. This companion volume to Arnosky's dynamic Thunder Birds: Nature's Flying Predators (2012) and Shimmer and Splash: The Sparkling World of Sea Life (2013, both Sterling) is another eye-catching addition to a handsome body of work.and#8221; and#8212;School Library Journaland#160;
Review
andldquo;Combining larger-than-life illustrations and thoughtful field notes, Arnosky takes readers on a tour of insect life. Foldout spreads display mayflies, dragonflies, beetles, butterflies, moths, and more, with each insect vividly described. . . . As with his other nature-themed books, Arnosky brings a personal and improvisational feeling to his work, including pencil sketches and writing that shares his own experiences. . . . Arnoskyand#39;s inquisitive spirit and gentle prose will likely move readers to take his cue to andlsquo;be mindful of the small.andrsquo;andrdquo; andmdash;Publishers Weekly (*Starred review)
Synopsis
"Young beachcombers will discover old and new ideas about collecting or just identifying their finds, and the book will appeal to those children who are looking for relaxing fun." School Library Journal
"An enticing read before any trip beachward."
Kirkus Reviews
Young sunbathers can learn all about the wonders at the water's edge with Jim Arnosky's fascinating guide. With friendly notes and detailed illustrations of everything from ghost crabs to shark teeth, this award-winning author and wildlife expert outfits kids with the knowledge they need to become avid beachcombers. Take it along on a family vacation or school trip, or make the beach come alive at home with this personal tour of the shore.
Synopsis
What could be better than a Jim Arnosky gatefold book? How about THREE Jim Arnosky gatefold books all together in one hardcoverand#8212;with every spectacular gatefold intact? From slithering snakes to soaring birds of prey, and many other fascinating animals along the way, Jim Arnosky's Wild World gives nature-loving kids a life-size view of hundreds of creatures.and#160;Jim Arnosky's Wild World includes: Wild Tracks, Slither and Crawl, and Thunder Birds.
Synopsis
Author and artist Jim Arnosky has created a breathtaking reference on animal tracks, filled with intricately drawn prints from creatures both wild and domestic. Best of all, many of the tracks are true to size, so kids can compare the tracks left by a big polar bear with that of a small bird. Four gatefolds display paintings of a bobcat, wolf, deer, and a variety of hoofed animals right next to their prints.
Synopsis
From BOB DYLAN and JIM ARNOSKYand#160;
and#8220;Man gave names to all the animalsIn the beginning, in the beginning.
Man gave names to all the animals
In the beginning, long time ago.and#8221;
Whimsical and witty, and#8220;Man Gave Names to All the Animalsand#8221; first appeared on Bob Dylan's album Slow Train Coming in 1979. With Dylan's blessing, illustrator Jim Arnosky has crafted a stunning picture book adaptation of the song that's a treat for both children and adults, with breathtaking images of more than 170 animals.and#160;The revered musical legend rarely allows his songs to be illustrated, and Arnosky has done the song proud with a parade of spectacular creatures ready to receive their namesand#8212;until the surprise ending, when children get to name an animal all by themselves!
Synopsis
Snake fangs, alligator claws, and turtle shellsand#8212;all life-size! Go belly down on the ground, with acclaimed naturalist Jim Arnosky. Through four breathtaking gatefolds, marvelously detailed art, and sketchbook pages he takes kids up close and personal with these slithery, crawly creatures. Arnosky explains how to identify venomous snakes and their harmless cousins, how to avoid becoming an alligator's lunch, and more.
Synopsis
Reptiles and#8230; close up!
Snake fangs, alligator claws, and turtle shellsand#8212;all life-size! Go belly down on the ground, eye to reptilian eye, with acclaimed naturalist Jim Arnosky. Through large gatefolds and marvelously detailed, realistic art, he takes kids (safely!) up close and personal with these slithery, crawly creatures. Arnosky explains how to identify venomous snakes and their harmless cousins, where to find a 200-pound lizard, how to avoid becoming an alligator's lunch, and much more. It's the perfect gift for a budding naturalist, animal lover, or artist.
A 2009 Parents' Choice Recommended Nonfiction Book.
Synopsis
With everything from prehistoric beasts, to today's most exotic creatures, to our most beloved pets, this deluxe illustrated menagerie will delight animal lovers. Incredibly lush artwork compares extinct and currently living animals, all grouped by similar characteristics and attributes. Beautiful Beasts reveals the diversity and wonder of the animal kingdom, and will enchant young naturalists.
Synopsis
Lions and tigers and bears . . . and WOLVESand#8212;oh, my! Acclaimed nature writer and illustrator Jim Arnosky introduces awe-inspiring wild predators: carnivores that survive by tooth and claw. Follow the huge paw prints of big cats like the African lion and the speedy cheetah; of massive bears like the fierce grizzly; and the gray wolfand#8212;forerunner of your own pet dog. One spectacular double gatefold plus two single foldouts present the animals up close and lifelike!
Synopsis
How amazing are animals? Come inside this stunningly illustrated menagerie and see! Here, the world's most fascinating creatures are grouped in an array of categoriesand#8212;by their color, size, stripes, spots, speed, strength, spikes and horns, beaks, weird ears, and more. As children wander through the pages, meeting bumblebees and tigers; orange orangutans and purple pufferfish; giant whales and tiny hummingbirds; they'll begin to recognize patterns in the animal kingdom. Along with the eye-catching spreads, fun questions like and#8220;What animals have wings but do not fly?and#8221; prompt kids to consider nature's diversity and wonder.
Synopsis
When winter comes, how do wild animals survive the bitterest cold, day after day? Kids can join award-winning author, illustrator, and naturalist Jim Arnosky as he follows otters, beavers, moose, polar bears, penguins, fur seals, and other fascinating creatures to learn how they cope with the frigid weather. Stunning art and five magnificent foldouts reveal worlds under the ice and up to the farthest, frostiest reaches of the globe.
Synopsis
Quietly it comesandmdash;the dark and chill of winter. And in the snow-covered fields and forests, the great northern plains, vast stretches of frozen tundra, and icy polar regions, wild animals have to survive day after day, night after night, out in the cold. How do they do it? Kids can bundle up and join award-winning author, illustrator, and naturalist Jim Arnosky as he follows the tracks of otters, beavers, moose, polar bears, killer whales, penguins, fur seals, and other creatures to discover more about their lives during this frigid season. Arnoskyand#39;s stunning art includes five magnificent foldouts that reveal worlds under the ice and at the farthest, frostiest reaches of the globe.
Synopsis
Acclaimed naturalist and illustrator Jim Arnosky brings out the beautyandmdash;and the andldquo;wow!andrdquo; and the andldquo;yuck!andrdquo; factorsandmdash;of hundreds of insects and spiders.and#160;Eight spectacular gatefolds show moths and mosquitoes, butterflies and beetles, spiders and silverfish life-size, up close, and personal!
and#160;
A CCBC Choice 2013, the annual best-of-the-year list of the Cooperative Childrenand#39;s Book Center.
About the Author
Music legend Bob Dylan has written more than 600 songs and his albums have sold more than 110 million copies around the world. He has won numerous awards including the Kennedy Center Honor, the French Commandeur des Arts et des Lettres, Sweden's Polar Music Prize, an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and multiple Grammys. In 2008, Bob Dylan was awarded a Pulitzer Prize Special Citation for his and#8220;profound impact on popular music and American culture, marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power.and#8221; Bob Dylan's highly anticipated 35th studio album, Tempest, was released in 2012. He lives in New York.and#160;Jim Arnosky is the author/illustrator of more than 100 books for young readers, and has been honored for his overall contribution to literature for children. He received the first lifetime achievement award for Excellence in Science Illustration from the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the Washington Post/Children's Book Guild Award for nonfiction. His first book for Sterling, Wild Tracks, was a 2008 School Library Journal Best Book of the Year and a 2009 ALA Notable. Every one of his gatefold books for Sterling has earned at least one starred review, and Thunder Birds was included on the Bluebonnet Master List for the state of TX. Jim and his wife, Deanna, travel all over the US for school and library visits, meeting hundreds of kids every year. Visit jimarnosky.com to learn more. Jim lives in South Ryegate, VT.