Running Wild

Starred review from February 15, 2020
An engaging and comprehensive exploration of the physics of animal movement. A grappling hook and a caterpillar, a pendulum and a gibbon, or lever and a turtle--these are just a few examples of tools used to demonstrate the biomechanics of animal movement. Whether it is walking, running, hopping, crawling, climbing, or gliding, thorough explanations of how animals fight or use the forces of gravity, lift, drag, and thrust to travel on land, water, or air are contextualized in ways young readers can easily comprehend. Through text and illustration, information is expertly presented, with each double-page spread focusing on one kind of movement. These are broken down into various steps that create an overall narrative, but each nugget of text is also a complete concept that takes into account a variety of nonfiction reading styles, including those that like to cherry-pick little bits of information. A conclusion sparks curiosity and inquiry by asking readers to pay attention to the animals around them and think about how they are moving and how movements differ from animal to animal, bridging a connection to their daily worlds while also tying the study of animal biomechanics to innovative pursuits such as making better prosthetics, robots, and swimsuits. Jump, hop, or pounce on this winning, informative title. (table of contents, sources, index) (Nonfiction. 9-12)

COPYRIGHT(2020) Kirkus Reviews, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

February 1, 2020

Gr 3-5-Author Watson and illustrator Dixon deliver a peppy title that clearly describes animals' different styles of locomotion and how and why these forms of movement promote the animals' safety and overall well-being. The engaging text and bright illustrations reveal how animals use their specialized abilities whether crossing land, air space, or waterways. Well-chosen and well-known animals (the slow tortoise to the speedy kangaroo to the lesser-known triggerfish and hoverfly) are joined by 15 others. Each featured creature has its own double-page spread. The vocabulary is aptly defined on the applicable page. Science is key to every entry, which heightens this title's usefulness. The illustrations are complementary and agile. Back matter includes sources and a complete index. VERDICT A title that features well-organized text and useful illustrations. An excellent choice for a book talk.-Nancy Call, formerly at Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.