Thank you for visiting.
This content is exclusive to subscribers only.
As a digital subscriber, you’ll receive unlimited access to Horn Book web exclusives and extensive archives, as well as access to our highly searchable Guide/Reviews Database.
To access other site content, visit The Horn Book homepage.
Log In
Don't have a Horn Book Account?
Register Now
Register Now
Stockdale, Susan
7 Reviews
(4)
K-3
In this celebration of the whimsical flower shapes of selected species, brief rhyming text suggests a fantasy of flower shapes: "Prim ballerinas, / wild baboons. / Snakes standing guard, / and spiraling spoons." The main text is more paean than science, and the acrylic illustrations show the flowers in imaginary, sometimes anthropomorphized forms, but the back matter includes photos and some botanical information.
Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo
(4)
K-3
Paired with simple rhymes, bold, colorful (if sometimes not very detailed) illustrations depict various spotted animals--both new and familiar--such as a buckeye butterfly, jaguar, calico crab, green anaconda, and Dalmatian. A section at book's end explains a little about each animal and why their spotted patterns are helpful in nature. A matching game is appended.
Reviewer: Aimee Chevrette Bear
(4)
K-3
In a simple rhyming text, Stockdale introduces nineteen different striped animals: "Stripes found in water, / sliding through weeds. / Drinking from rivers, / and darting through reeds." The sparse text captions large portraits of each creature; the engaging images are eye-catching if not very detailed. A concluding double-page spread provides species names with brief blurbs about how each benefits from its stripes. A matching game is appended.
Reviewer: Sophie Williamson
(3)
K-3
Stockdale depicts twenty-one birds of the world and, using a few jauntily rhymed phrases, notes a characteristic of each: "Skimming birds, / swimming birds, / birds with tails held high. / Racing birds, / riding birds, / birds that never fly." The sharp-edged, colorful illustrations are eye-pleasingly dramatic (especially peacock). Further information about the creatures is appended. Bib.
Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian
(3)
PS
"Round fish, / clownfish, / fish that like to hide. / Striped fish, / spiked fish, / fish that leap and glide." In faultlessly rhythmic text, Stockdale describes different types of fish. The acrylic illustrations, some contained within frames and others more expansive double-page spreads, have an oceany-cool collage appearance. Two pages at the end give more information about the fish. Bib.
Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz
(3)
PS
This is a simple compendium of how different animal parents carry their babies. Each animal is presented in its habitat via a bright acrylic illustration showing how it transports its offspring. The effective approach will directly appeal to young readers. The animals' names and where they live are listed at the back of the book. Reading list.
Reviewer: Susan Halperin
(3)
K-3
Flat, bold acrylic paintings illustrate this look at patterns and colors in the natural world, and the reasons why they exist. Stockdale draws young readers into her simply worded text by opening each of her explanations with a direct address to the reader ("Have you ever touched a starfish?"); the information that follows is brief, but informative and engaging.
Reviewer: Jackie C. Horne
7 reviews
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing.