📖 Overview
Animals by the Numbers presents facts about animals through infographics, charts, and visual data displays. The illustrated reference book covers topics from animal speeds and sizes to lifespans and population numbers.
Each spread focuses on a specific metric or comparison, using clear diagrams and artwork to convey statistical information about various species. The text accompanies detailed cut-paper illustrations showing the featured animals in scale relative to one another.
This book demonstrates how mathematics and measurement apply to the natural world. Through its visual approach to data, it reveals patterns and relationships that exist among different animal species.
👀 Reviews
Parents, teachers, and young readers appreciate this book's clear presentation of animal statistics and data through infographics. Many note it works well for both browsing and detailed reading.
Readers liked:
- Colorful, detailed paper-cut illustrations
- Complex data made accessible for grades 3-6
- Comparison charts that put numbers in perspective
- Mix of familiar and surprising animal facts
Main criticisms:
- Some found the layout cluttered
- A few mentioned wanting more detailed explanations
- Text occasionally too advanced for younger readers
Ratings:
Goodreads: 4.17/5 (244 ratings)
Amazon: 4.7/5 (47 ratings)
Notable reader comments:
"Perfect for visual learners and math integration" - Elementary teacher on Amazon
"My science-minded 9-year-old returns to this book repeatedly" - Parent reviewer
"Great for teaching infographic creation" - School librarian review
Several educators mentioned using it successfully for STEM curriculum connections and engaging reluctant readers.
📚 Similar books
The Animal Book by David Burnie
A fact-filled reference guide presents animal statistics and comparisons through charts, diagrams, and infographics.
Life on Earth by Steve Jenkins This exploration of evolution uses numbers and data visualization to explain animal adaptations and biological concepts.
Actual Size by Steve Jenkins The book uses life-sized illustrations and measurements to compare different animals' physical features.
Nature by Numbers by Kay Barnham This mathematics-focused nature book reveals patterns, sequences, and numerical relationships found in the animal kingdom.
Animalium by Jenny Broom, Katie Scott The museum-style collection presents detailed animal facts through data-driven illustrations and scientific classifications.
Life on Earth by Steve Jenkins This exploration of evolution uses numbers and data visualization to explain animal adaptations and biological concepts.
Actual Size by Steve Jenkins The book uses life-sized illustrations and measurements to compare different animals' physical features.
Nature by Numbers by Kay Barnham This mathematics-focused nature book reveals patterns, sequences, and numerical relationships found in the animal kingdom.
Animalium by Jenny Broom, Katie Scott The museum-style collection presents detailed animal facts through data-driven illustrations and scientific classifications.
🤔 Interesting facts
🔍 Steve Jenkins has created over 50 children's science books, earning him a Caldecott Honor for "What Do You Do with a Tail Like This?"
📊 The book uses infographics and cut-paper collage illustrations, a signature style Jenkins developed after being inspired by similar techniques in vintage children's books
🦒 The height comparisons in the book show that a giraffe's legs alone are taller than most humans
🧮 Jenkins spent over a year researching and verifying the numerical data used in the book to ensure accuracy
🎨 Each illustration in the book is created by hand using carefully cut and layered papers of different textures and colors, sometimes using up to 30 pieces for a single animal