Wednesday, October 6, 2010

Animal Sound Mix-up

Another internet friend sent me a PDF of her book to review. I guess the word is getting out that I review books for kids. However even if I know the authors, I try always to be honest.
There are countless books for young children about the sounds animals make. I remember my brother enjoying books like that back in the 1940s and as a mother, preschool teacher, and grandmother I've seen dozens more advising kids that "Cows say 'Moo'" and "Dogs say 'Bow-Wow.' " However I've never seen one like Connie Arnold's Animal Sound Mix-up, which asks children to imagine what would happen if animals made the wrong sounds. Children will probably laugh at the crazy possibilities.
Unlike many rhyming picture books, the rhythm and meter flow naturally and the message that God made animals the way they really are is a positive one.
As you can see from the cover, Illustrator Kit Grady did an excellent job of capturing the amusing feeling of the book.
In my humble opinion, little kids will love this book.
Here are some interesting facts about animal sounds that Connie gave me to share:
Roosters can't crow if they can't fully extend their necks. A duck's quack doesn't echo, and no one knows why. A lion's roar can be heard from five miles away. Giraffes have no vocal cords. Cats have over one hundred vocal sounds, while dogs only have about ten. Many hamsters only blink one eye at a time. An ostrich's eye is bigger than it's brain. Elephants and camels both have four knees. It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky. Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

17 comments:

Connie Arnold said...

Jan, thank you for your great review of Animal Sound Mix-up. I'm glad you picked up on the uniqueness of the book. Thanks for sharing the fun facts too. The variety and characteristics of different animals is so interesting to me, and I'm sure to others as well!

Janet Ann Collins said...

You're welcome, Connie. And thanks for letting me do it.

Julie Musil said...

Connie's book sounds adorable, and I loved all those fun animal facts. I had no idea!

Connie Arnold said...

Thank you, Julie. Animals are really amazing!

Kit said...

Go Connie, This is great Janet-

Kit

Carolyn Howard-Johnson said...

Jan, I love learning about all your author friends. Thank you!
Best,
Carolyn Howard-Johnson
Blogging writers' resources at Writer's Digest 101 Best Websites pick www.sharingwithwriters.blogspot.com

Janet Ann Collins said...

I appreciate all the nice comments.

It's easy for writers to become friends with each other.

Mayra Calvani said...

Thanks for the great review, Janet! Looks like a very cute book.

Martha said...

What a wonderful book. I love the fun facts about the animals. As a preschool teacher and mother of two little ones, I'm sure this book would be a big hit.
Martha Swirzinski

Connie Arnold said...

Kit, Janet really did a nice review!

Carolyn, it's great to make more author friends and share about each other's writing.

Mayra, thanks for your visit and comment.

Janet Ann Collins said...

Thanks to all you writer friends for commenting.

Unknown said...

Great review. I love your book, Connie!

Janet Ann Collins said...

Thanks, Kathy.

Cheryl said...

Great review, Jan. I've been trying to stop at all of Connie's blog stops to offer some support. I hope she doesn't think I'm stalking here or anything. LOL!

Hope to run into all of you at the Muse Con this week.

Cheryl

Janet Ann Collins said...

Cheryl, I'm sure Connie appreciates your support.

Connie Arnold said...

Kathy, thanks so much!

Connie Arnold said...

Cheryl, I'm thrilled to have you as a stalker! :)
I'll be in and out at the Muse Conference too.