Nonfiction Monday

Which Animal is FASTEST? by Brian Rock with illustrations By Carolyn Le attempts to answer the question in the guise of a race held by Lion, the King of Beasts.

However, it turns out that determining the fastest is more complicated than you’d think. How can mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and fish be fairly assessed? Do four-legged animals have an advantage over two-legged animals? Written in an energetic narrative-nonfiction style, Rock packs plenty of facts into the story and creates multiple discussion points as the animals debate ways in which to determine a fair competition. The solution turns out to be an entertaining animal Olympics in which animals compete on land, in water, and in the air. In true Olympic tradition, awards are given and a graphic details the varied categories, winners, and speeds from Fastest Land Animal: Cheetah to Fastest Punch: Peacock Mantis Shrimp.

Following the race statistics, there is a Creative Minds section that includes factual information to provide points of discussion for parents and lesson options for teachers. Animal Movement explores the many ways in which animals can move. Different Animals Have Different Strengths raises questions about how to evaluate the differing strengths of various creatures. Animal Body Parts provides an opportunity to test knowledge by matching animal body parts to the what that part is used for. Speed Sequencing asks readers to imagine how race results might vary if the circumstances of the race were altered.

Recommended for home and school libraries. Great addition to STEM studies.