Actual Size

Module 8

Jenkins, Steve. 2004. Actual size. New York: Houghton Mifflin.

Did you know that giant squids have eyes the size of basketballs? Or that the Goliath frog, of Western Africa can weigh as much as seven pounds? The world's largest earthworm is found in Australia and grow to over three feet long. These and other interesting "believe it or not" facts about animals can be found in this captivating book. Similar to a trivia book in style, it presents real facts in a palatable way that kids will gobble up. The collage illustrations are cleverly rendered using cut and torn paper. The animals represented are all shown in their actual size. The scariest illustration is a two page spread of a Siberian tiger, which in real life can be up to fourteen feet long and weigh up to seven hundred pounds. It looks as if it wants to jump off the page and eat someone. Notes at the end of the book provide more facts on the animals for children wanting to learn more. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. This is a quick and fascinating read with great possibilities for getting children hooked into reading more informational books about animals. It is recommended for ages 5-8, but may also appeal to older more reluctant readers.