Actual Size

Bibliographic Information: Jenkins, S. (2004). Actual size. New York, New York: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

Annotation: This nonfiction book illustrates the actual size of animals to real world objects as well as giving information about each animal.

Genre: Nonfiction

Grade Level: 1-5

Readers Who Will Like This Book: Anyone interested in animals and how big or small something might be.

Personal Response and Rating: I rate this book a 4. The illustrations are done with cut paper but maintain their realism. Not only is the reader given the perception of the size of animals or certain parts of them, in the back of the book more in depth information is provided along with a complete illustration of that animal.

Prereading Question: What do you think is the biggest or the smallest animal in the world.

Reading Strategy:

A. Reading Strategy - Internet Investigation

B. Description of Strategy - The teacher helps the students generate a list of questions they had about the book. Next, search terms are brainstormed that could be used to locate the answer to their questions. Websites and sources are listed as students compile information relating to their questions and then what was learned is shared with the class.

C. Rationale - Though the book provides further information about each animal, even more knowledge could be obtained through the Internet. Students may have questions that aren't answered in the book, questions that address traits other than size. The Internet is an excellent means in which students can continue to make discoveries. Students are also able to focus on something that they personally find interesting.