School Library Journal
07/01/2019
Gr 2–4—Skins, feathers, scales, hair, fur, and wings are all included in this wide-ranging look at the outer coverings of living things. Some pages focus on a class of creature: "Instead of hairs, birds have feathers. Feathers do lots of things—help a bird fly, attract a mate and keep warm." Other pages highlight a particular species. Full-page photos, some double-spread, accompany each topic. The crisp photos show great detail, not only of each animal's outer covering but also its face and eyes. Some pages have overlaid text, but generally, the text is on plain white pages facing the appropriate photo. The same size font is used throughout the book and is presented simply, without boxes or inserts. Back matter includes four pages of related learning activities and additional information. The book lacks an index or table of contents. VERDICT The photography is outstanding; however, the book's overall layout is text-heavy and lackluster. This is an extra purchase or one to fit a science curriculum.—Lisa Taylor, Florida State College, Jacksonville
Kirkus Reviews
2019-05-12
Following Animal Noses (2018), Holland's latest looks at the various coverings for animals' skin.
Hair, feathers, and scales may look different one to the other, but they serve largely the same purposes: camouflage, protection from predators and the weather, warnings to keep away, and aids to attracting a mate. Spots on a moth's wings that look like eyes fool predators. A skunk's black-and-white pattern acts as a warning. Fawns' white spots help camouflage them, and a bird's feathers trap air, helping the animal stay warm. Holland also looks at insects; their exoskeletons cannot grow. Instead, they grow a new skin under the old one and then shed the one that's too small. Snakes do the same. (Holland missteps a bit with her statement that "If you look closely at a shed snake skin you can see the scales." Those are not the actual scales but are made of something similar—keratin, which is in our nails and hair.) As in the whole Animal Anatomy and Adaptations series, the close-ups of the creatures are the big draw. Highlights are the frog peeking out of the water and the close-up of a fluffed-up bluejay amid falling snow. Backmatter includes some matching activities and more information.
A solid addition to the series and a great compare/contrast exercise for classrooms. (Nonfiction. 3-9)
