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Strange Creatures : the Story of Walter Rothschild and His Museum
The story of how a painfully shy boy followed his passion and became a brilliant scientist, forever changing our understanding of the world's diversity of creatures.
40 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
February 17, 2022
As a biography and history book, this is really well done. It did present a rather conflicted reading experience for me because, on the one hand, my heart really went out to Walter, the introvert who wanted nothing more than to spend time with creatures in nature and use his intelligence to study the natural world and withered under his parents' expectations and having to uphold the family title and banking business. Judge does such a good job showing that his wealth and privilege were not always blessings--yet also were what allowed him to create his incredible menagerie. Yet, my modern sensibilities couldn't help but recoil a bit some of the practices, such as using your allowance to buy a kangaroo for your private garden, or driving a carriage drawn by zebras down Piccadilly Lane. It's clear that he really cared about the animals, but also there is just that complete lack of awareness about taking wild animals from their natural home that was so rampant in the day. A good example of my mixed emotions is when Walter's family forbid him from adventuring on his own, but he used his money to fund an expedition. "He planned a great voyage and hired explorers to collect birds from newly charted islands in the South Pacific. Father wouldn't allow him to leave his job, but Walter traveled in his imagination through the southern seas each time he unpacked a crate the explorers sent back." The crates were full of "preserved birds" :-(
In any case, Lita Judge presents an engaging book in which I feel we get a real sense of Walter's personality and life. The illustrations are also engaging (though sensitive youngsters might find a few of the specimens and skeletons a bit upsetting.) Certainly this is one of those cases where our modern sensibilities may find fault with history, yet we cannot simply ignore the contributions that Rothschild made to the study of animals. Therefore, I appreciate Lita Judge's Author's Note which explains that "The study of wildlife has changed over the years. It's no longer considered ethical to take animal specimens. Now we study living animals with binoculars, record their behavior with cameras. Scientists catch wild birds and place numbered bands on their legs, then release them back into the wild without harming them. Though methods and and attitudes are different today, scientists and museum visitors still learn from the collections gathered more than a hundred years ago by Walter Rothschild and others."
In any case, Lita Judge presents an engaging book in which I feel we get a real sense of Walter's personality and life. The illustrations are also engaging (though sensitive youngsters might find a few of the specimens and skeletons a bit upsetting.) Certainly this is one of those cases where our modern sensibilities may find fault with history, yet we cannot simply ignore the contributions that Rothschild made to the study of animals. Therefore, I appreciate Lita Judge's Author's Note which explains that "The study of wildlife has changed over the years. It's no longer considered ethical to take animal specimens. Now we study living animals with binoculars, record their behavior with cameras. Scientists catch wild birds and place numbered bands on their legs, then release them back into the wild without harming them. Though methods and and attitudes are different today, scientists and museum visitors still learn from the collections gathered more than a hundred years ago by Walter Rothschild and others."
November 9, 2017
Strange Creatures is a story Walter Rothschild and his obsession with creatures of all kinds. This book follows Walters early years and describes how awkward Walter was as a child, his obsession with creatures led to stern lectures by his parents. As most Children's Biographies this book portrays Walter as someone who has chosen to follow his dream and in turn has made a massive impact on the world. Walters Zoological collection is credited to one of the most influential collections in science, he is his lifetime discovered over 5000 species. The illustrations are strong bright and colorful in this book. They create a feeling of playfulness and childhood innocence that constantly grabs your attention.
February 13, 2018
Another one of those hidden treasures in my library. Walter Rothschild is a very shy, introverted boy who has a fascination about animals. His parents are very wealthy and allow him the ability to have a small menagerie at their estate. His father wanted him to be more outgoing and "normal" as he was to take over the family's banking business. As he grew older he was forced to attend to the family business but realized that with his wealth he could now plan and fund expeditions to unexplored regions and assemble their findings in a museum which would become world famous.
A great book to show that each of our interests and even our shortcomings can be developed and used. The way might not be easy, but it will be worth the effort to become who we are truly are.
A great book to show that each of our interests and even our shortcomings can be developed and used. The way might not be easy, but it will be worth the effort to become who we are truly are.
June 27, 2017
This is a neat summary of the early life and success of Walter Rothschild, one of the world's most influential figures in the museum world. There's fun little anecdotes about how he was able to curate his collection of creatures from all over the world. The illustrations are engaging, with great details in the background. A nice read for little animal lovers!
April 15, 2018
No dates in the book to place Walter in time.
Encouragement for kids who don't want to be what their parents want them to be or who have difficulties (Walter had issues talking).
Also shows how we can pursue passion outside our main job. And how one person can make a difference with money if they can't do the work themselves.
Encouragement for kids who don't want to be what their parents want them to be or who have difficulties (Walter had issues talking).
Also shows how we can pursue passion outside our main job. And how one person can make a difference with money if they can't do the work themselves.
September 17, 2022
Interesting and loved the illustrations!
May 13, 2024
Good story
October 13, 2011
My Review: This story is about the real life scientist Walter Rothschild and his passion for animals.
Walter Rothschild was born into a family of bankers and was the richest boy who had no interested in the banking business. Walter barely spoke as he was a very shy 7 years old kid. But he didn’t need words to express his love for animals that crawled, slithered or flew. His father wasn’t happy that Walter was spending so much of his time with these creatures and he was worried that he wouldn’t be able to take over the family business. Walter was interested in becoming a scientist and opening his own museum, a natural history museum.
Walter was able to stand up to his father and create his own legacy by creating his own museum at the age of 7.
According to the author, because of Walter Rothschild, the study of wild life has changed over the years. It is no longer considered ethical to take animal specimens. Studying of live animals is done using binoculars and their behavior recorded by cameras.
Despite what Walter’s father wanted him to become Walter stood his ground to become a scientist. Walter created the largest zoological collection ever gathered by one man. We should not let the expectations and pressures of others crush our passion or dreams.
Author Lita Judge did a great job illustrating this book and capturing the real life history of Walter and his animals.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
Walter Rothschild was born into a family of bankers and was the richest boy who had no interested in the banking business. Walter barely spoke as he was a very shy 7 years old kid. But he didn’t need words to express his love for animals that crawled, slithered or flew. His father wasn’t happy that Walter was spending so much of his time with these creatures and he was worried that he wouldn’t be able to take over the family business. Walter was interested in becoming a scientist and opening his own museum, a natural history museum.
Walter was able to stand up to his father and create his own legacy by creating his own museum at the age of 7.
According to the author, because of Walter Rothschild, the study of wild life has changed over the years. It is no longer considered ethical to take animal specimens. Studying of live animals is done using binoculars and their behavior recorded by cameras.
Despite what Walter’s father wanted him to become Walter stood his ground to become a scientist. Walter created the largest zoological collection ever gathered by one man. We should not let the expectations and pressures of others crush our passion or dreams.
Author Lita Judge did a great job illustrating this book and capturing the real life history of Walter and his animals.
FTC Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. I was not monetarily compensated for my opinion in any way.
July 21, 2011
Age of readership: Ages 4-8
Genre: Picture Book
Diversity: Animal diversity throughout the world
Follow your dreams and please your family – diverse goals hard to achieve
Illustrations: Watercolor drawings with impressionistic characteristics
My response to the book: The story is wonderful but may be a bit over the heads of the suggested 4-8 year old audience. I find the book more suitable for 8-12 year old children. The information in the story is about the real life scientist Walter Rothschild and his passion for studying all types of animals and his enormous contributions to scientific study, that his grandparents; both ornithologists, would be very proud.
Curricular/Programming connections: This book can be used in an elementary school science class; though science classes at the elementary school level in this country are hard to find. I would also use this book in a story time during a unit on scientific discoveries and/or animals.
Genre: Picture Book
Diversity: Animal diversity throughout the world
Follow your dreams and please your family – diverse goals hard to achieve
Illustrations: Watercolor drawings with impressionistic characteristics
My response to the book: The story is wonderful but may be a bit over the heads of the suggested 4-8 year old audience. I find the book more suitable for 8-12 year old children. The information in the story is about the real life scientist Walter Rothschild and his passion for studying all types of animals and his enormous contributions to scientific study, that his grandparents; both ornithologists, would be very proud.
Curricular/Programming connections: This book can be used in an elementary school science class; though science classes at the elementary school level in this country are hard to find. I would also use this book in a story time during a unit on scientific discoveries and/or animals.
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October 31, 2012Strange Creatures is about a boy named Walter Rothschild who was a shy boy but loved animals, his father was never very proud of him and didn't think he would be very successful in life, but he was wrong. Walter went after his dream and did amazing things.
This would be a great book for little children because it has beautiful colorful pictures and very interesting animals in it.
This book would be a good fit for my future students because if we took a trip to the zoo or was working on science and animals it would be a good introductory book to show them all the different animals there are, it would also work for a lesson on being yourself and going after what you love, because although Walter didn't have the support of his father, he still went after his dream and did what he loved.
This would be great for any student, but would work well for my 2nd grade special education students.
Judge, L. (2011). Strange creatures: the story of Walter Rothschild and his museum. New York: Disney/Hyperion.
This would be a great book for little children because it has beautiful colorful pictures and very interesting animals in it.
This book would be a good fit for my future students because if we took a trip to the zoo or was working on science and animals it would be a good introductory book to show them all the different animals there are, it would also work for a lesson on being yourself and going after what you love, because although Walter didn't have the support of his father, he still went after his dream and did what he loved.
This would be great for any student, but would work well for my 2nd grade special education students.
Judge, L. (2011). Strange creatures: the story of Walter Rothschild and his museum. New York: Disney/Hyperion.
August 12, 2016
Walter Rothschild was an overly shy child who found friendship in animals and studying animal species. He was born into an extremely wealthy family in London, where it was expected he join the family business of banking. Sadly, his passion for biology was a source of frustration and disappointment for his father. Walter was born in a time when studying animals meant collecting and often killing the creatures. His ways might be misunderstood at first to young readers, however, Lita Judge did a wonderful job of explaining the time (mid 1800’s) and how now scientist have learned to observe instead of collect. An extremely fascinating picture book biography about a man who tried to follow his passion, be an obedient son, and increase knowledge about animals from around the world in a time before photographs, television, and even books on the subject were readily available.
June 23, 2011
This is a wonderful tribute to determination and to a boy who marched to his own drum. Shy and reclusive, Walter was drawn to animals more exotic than humans, and began his own museum at the age of 7. Although his wealthy banker father found it hard to understand his interests, his mother supported him. When his father forced him to work at the firm, Walter did so reluctantly and used his money to pay for expeditions seeking out uncharted lands and creatures. Paying tribute to the flora and fauna this collector amassed, the watercolor illustrations show an awed, wide-eyed Walter gazing at the things that fascinated him. What an intriguing story about the choices of an interesting man!
January 27, 2012
With more text than is typical for the younger reader, this book is totally engaging for all ages. Its vibrant double page spreads are filled with appealing exotic animal images (with reasonably accurate detail and scale). Historic setting and activities depict a time and place clearly. Plenty of readers will identify with young Walter's personality and the challenge of parental expectations.
Great to compare to other young naturalists:
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, by Barbara Kerley and Brian Selznick.
Young Teddy Roosevelt, by Cheryl Harness
What Darwin Saw, by Rosalyn Schanzer
Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon by Jeannine Atkins and Michael Dooling
Great to compare to other young naturalists:
The Dinosaurs of Waterhouse Hawkins, by Barbara Kerley and Brian Selznick.
Young Teddy Roosevelt, by Cheryl Harness
What Darwin Saw, by Rosalyn Schanzer
Mary Anning and the Sea Dragon by Jeannine Atkins and Michael Dooling
July 8, 2011
Interesting presentation of an unfamiliar topic. This is a very good book. The title, pictures, and text are inviting and accessible. The only real disappointment is that they did not label the pictures or have a key in the back labeling the pictures. With labels, this book would be a great jumping off point for kids to investigate some of the "strange creatures" themselves. Without labels the reader is just left to wonder what they all are since the task of combing through field guides seems daunting. Still a must-read book.
January 10, 2012
this is a very nice picture book biography of Walter Rothschild. He was an animal lover and collector from a young age and eventually become one of the great contributors to the science of animals. I knew nothing about Rothschild so all the information in here was new to me and interesting. I thought the story was appropriate for beginning elementary students either for reports or pleasure. I think his life is a good example of following your dreams being who you are no matter the pressures you feel from family and friends.
June 21, 2011
The colorful illustrations in this story are sure to capture the interest of all those who love and enjoy nature. This story of a shy child with a speech problem follows his love of nature and struggle to nurture that passion in the face of his father’s opposition. In spite of being forced into the family’s banking business young Walter finds a mentor and creates his own natural history museum.
March 22, 2012
Theme: Accomplishing one’s dreams
This is the true story of Walter Rothschild, a pioneering player in the field of zoology.
The book has great illustrations, and mentions many unusual animals. The book would be better if a real photo or drawing of Walter Rothschild and his museum were included somewhere in the book.
This is the true story of Walter Rothschild, a pioneering player in the field of zoology.
The book has great illustrations, and mentions many unusual animals. The book would be better if a real photo or drawing of Walter Rothschild and his museum were included somewhere in the book.
April 19, 2012
This is a great book for getting students interested in learning more about nature. It is a true story about a boy who followed his dreams despite opposition and became the owner of a marvelous zoo. There are some facts about different zoo animals hidden in the story as well as names of uncommon animals.
Recommended grade level: K and up
Recommended grade level: K and up
April 19, 2012
Strange Creatures: The Story of Walter Rothschild and His Museum, Lita Judge, Grades 2-4, Classifying Animal and Organisms
This book is about a boy who dreams of opening his own museum filled with animals collected from all over the world. This book could be used in a science classroom to illustrate the classification of different species.
This book is about a boy who dreams of opening his own museum filled with animals collected from all over the world. This book could be used in a science classroom to illustrate the classification of different species.
February 23, 2014
Story of Walter Rothschild, whose love of animals as a child developed into a lifelong passion of discovering new animal species from around the world. Despite his father's plans for Walter to carry on the family business as a banker, shy Walter pursues his dream of founding a natural history museum to showcase his discoveries.
February 26, 2017
An entertaining biography about an introverted man who discovered joy in science and made significant contributions to zoology in spite of his father's misgivings. Accompanied by Judge's brilliant illustrations, this is sure to be a hit with animal lovers. Recommended.
November 17, 2015
Nice little story with very colorful illustrations about Walter Rothschild and the museum he made. A loner as a boy, he had a genius mind for animals and did alot to make it possible to study them and for people to see all kinds of species.
February 4, 2011
A wonderful story of an unusual boy with an unusual hobby in a different time who made a tremendous contribution to biological science. Lita Judge's illustrations add much to the story.
April 2, 2011
Wonder if Walter Rothschild had Asperger's?
May 22, 2011
story about a boy who collects things & has his own museum which grows and grows...I am thankful that our science museum does not contain live specimens like this story!!
March 31, 2012
While I had not heard of Walter Rothschild, this biography is interesting and appropriate for elementary schools. It could be used as an introduction to an animal unit on zoos.
July 27, 2011
I really liked this one. Interesting story and great illustrations. AM
August 9, 2011
Lovely illustrations. A wonderful story about a boy who becomes a man and follows his dream.
September 5, 2011
Another accessible biography. Texts are lengthy yet it is not dry as I was concerned.
October 2, 2011
Inspiring story of following your dreams.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews