Hippos Can't Swim: and other fun facts (Did You Know?) - Hardcover

Laura Lyn DiSiena is an art director who loves to write, design, and make crafty things. She lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her artsy husband and two naughty cats. You can visit them online at OhWellHello.com.

Hannah Eliot is a children’s book editor who lives in Manhattan, New York. Her favorite activities include editing (of course), writing, painting, and doodling all over every piece of notebook paper she uses.

As a seasoned professional in the animation industry, Pete Oswald’s credits include traditional animation, CG, and stop motion. Pete’s work as an illustrator and designer includes Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends, Madagascar 2, Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, ParaNorman, and Hotel Transylvania. His short film, The Story of Walls (2009), earned him an Annie Award nomination. Pete and his family live in Santa Monica, California.

Did you know that a firefly’s light comes in different colors like . . . green, yellow, or . . . red? This title is jam-packed with similarly awesome animal facts, from the very obvious to the obscure. The authors skillfully execute transitions between each animal section to help beginning readers contextualize and categorize new information. After discussing a kangaroo’s ability to hop, for example, the following section begins, a rabbit is another animal that hops. Likewise, the use of interrogative language, bold diction, and bright, comical illustrations will keep readers engaged. Direct addresses to the young audience (Did you know? Can you do that?), keeps kids involved and asking questions. In the end, the book comes full circle: Unlike hippos . . . blue whales sure can swim! An entertaining read for both browsing and curricular tie-ins, this closes with a page of more fun facts that may encourage further investigation. Preschool-Grade 2. --Annie Miller