Tooling Around: Crafty Creatures and the Tools They Use

by Ellen Jackson, Renné Benoit (Illustrator)

Dig these crafty creatures!We all use tools every a pen to write a story, a paint brush to illustrate a book, a fork to eat dinner. But it's not just humans who use tools. Chimpanzees often poke sticks, straw, or blades of grass into termite mounds to draw out insects for a tasty treat. Veined octopuses have been observed carrying coconut shells—they crawl inside them and hide from predators when they need a rest. A New Caledonian crow can even bend a twig with its beak to use as a hook to dig out bugs. Scientists don't all agree on what counts as a tool, but young readers will be inspired to observe the animals that live around them and how they use various objects to find food, to attract a mate, to protect themselves, or to build or conceal a home.Renné Benoit's illustrations get closeup with each animal, exploring habitats, the special problems they face, and the ways they solve these problems—either by intelligence or instinct. Tooling Crafty Creatures and the Tools They Use is a wonderful introduction to the animal kingdom and the many different ways animals survive.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Childrens

32 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2014

Reviews

[Louise M. Aamodt · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book's interesting topic drew me in, and then the structure kept me engaged: I love each animal's simple rhyming stanza followed by a a kid-friendly, informative sidebar offering more nonfiction information. Don't miss the discussion of a 'tool' in the back matter!

[Brenda Kahn · Rating 3 out of 5]

The text is bifurcated here: story in rhyme (not always successful) on the left for younger readers and a couple of informational sentences on the right for older readers. Interesting interpretations of what constitutes a tool - a squirrel kicking sand? Does that mean my dog is using a tool each time he kicks the dirt to cover his elimination? I don't know. The watercolor paintings of the animals (and the rhymes) were more successful than the ones of humans, which bookend the story. An author's note discusses the notion of tools, pages follow with information about where each of the eleven creatures live, resources, including web sites for children and adults.

[Sunday · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one of those books you could read aloud to k-2 students multiple times – in multiple ways for multiple purposes. There is a short rhyming text on each page that names an animal’s tool and its purpose and, in a different font, on the opposite page, there is informational text describing the animal and its tool use in more detail. You could just read the rhyming text – the first time around and have interesting conversations with students. You could read the informational text a second time around and deepen your conversation with students.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tooling Around explains how 11 animals, finches, chimpanzees, otters, crows, deer, bowerbirds, flies, dolphins, octopuses, elephants, and squirrels use tools. Each animal is introduced with a rhyming couplet with an additional one to three sentences to further elaborate on the subject. A 2 page author's note tells how humans once thought that only humans used tools. Websites and additional resources are provided. This works well as a read aloud for pre-k to 3rd grade. Illustrations are done in watercolor with colored pencil and gouache.

[Haizelbear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! It tells about how different types of animals use different objects as tools to help them do various tasks. There is an element of poetry in the book as well that is rather enjoyable. The illustrations are done in watercolor, colored pencil, and gouache. I could use this book to teach about the concept of what a tool is, and how what can be used as a tool varies depending on the situation.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nonfiction rhyming text about the different "tools" animals use. Additional information on each page.

[Michele Knott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book about animals and their ability to use tools to adapt to their environment. Perfect for the primary/elementary classroom.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice illustrations. Creative idea to inform young readers about some unknown animal traits and abilities.

[Peacegal · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is wonderfully presented, and gently reminds us that we are not alone in our abilities! This would make a nice read-aloud.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

One side of the page has text appropriate for preschoolers, the other side of the fold has further information about the animal. Very cool book.

[Rebecca Plaza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Can be read on 2 level of the rhyming text and factual text. Would live to share with preschool, but factual enough fir older readers to enjoy.

[Cornmaven]

Well rounded and wonderfully illustrated book about how animals use tools, what kind, and why.