Amazing, Beguiling, Curious: 26 Fascinating Creatures

by Anne E.G. Nydam

The simple alphabetical format of this book of animals will delight the youngest children, while the fascinating facts will intrigue them as they grow older. For budding scientists there are questions to draw out their curiosity and encourage them to learn more about the incredible world of animals. But it is the twenty-six black and white illustrations based on block prints that will captivate all ages, from infants to their grandparents. Both bold and detailed, these whimsical views of animals just may inspire children (and their adults) to sit down with a pencil and try capturing their own favorite creatures in art.

Genres: Nonfiction, Childrens, Picture Books

60 pages, Paperback

First published December 20, 2010

About the author

Anne E.G. Nydam has been writing poems and creating imaginary worlds since the age of four. If asked at any point since then what she wanted to be when she grew up, she would have answered, "a writer." Her love of language led her to major in linguistics at Yale University, but this was followed by an unexpected but delightful ten-year detour into teaching middle school art.
Ms Nydam is now a stay-at-home mother, artist, and writer. She lives with her family outside of Boston. She is a poor housekeeper, as is only natural in someone with so many more interesting hobbies to pursue.

Please join her at her blog on relief block prints and juvenile fantasy: Black and White, Words and Pictures.

Reviews

[Janice Durante · Rating 5 out of 5]

Children who love animals will find much to enjoy in this attractive, informative alphabet book. Selecting 26 animals from around the world -- from the armadillo to the hermit crab to the zebra -- Nydam illustrates each with an intriguing block print that is pleasing to the eye and to one's sense of wonder. Complementing each illustration is a page of several interesting facts and, finally, a well-chosen question that should inspire young ones to learn more. Examples of Nydam's questions include "Why do sheep have so many molars? What are molars good for?" and "What kind of turtles or tortoises live near you? What are some differences between sea turtles and other kinds of turtles?" Teachers will appreciate the helpful notes on tools for further exploration: observation and research. She not only defines the two methods in simple terms, but gives clear and relevant tips on researching. One of my favorites is "Think about what you read! If you don't understand something, keep looking for a clearer explanation." Clearly, these are guidelines Nydam has adapted in the course of her years of teaching and parenting. Many curious children will no doubt want to learn more about animals but will also want to try their hand at making prints. Nydam has thought of that, too, and provides ideas and advice on techniques. Amazing, Beguiling, Curious: 26 Fascinating Creatures lends itself to wonderful curricular projects -- or to just plain fun.
My thanks to the author for providing a review copy.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

* I won a free copy of this book through GoodReads First Reads.*

As an elementary school librarian, I have a special fondness for ABC books, and this one was no exception. What is exceptional about this book, however, is the information on each of the animals presented and the woodcut illustrations of each animal. I definitely learned some things I didn't know before, and I think my students will, too.

I also appreciated the research questions at the end of each page. These questions encourage young readers to keep looking for more information on these "Amazing, Beguiling, and Curious" animals. The animal research guide at the end of the book was also especially helpful (especially since I will be doing animal research with my 4th grade students next week).

Additionally, I liked how the author/illustrator mentioned the connection between art and science. "They both help you see and appreciate the incredible world all around you." In the future, I hope to use this book with my school's art teacher and various classroom teachers. Perhaps my students can create their own version of this great book.