Review of DOGS AND CATS

Bibliography:

Jenkins, Steve. 2007. Dogs and cats. Illustrated by author. Boston, MA: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780618507671

Review:

Are you a dog or a cat lover? Luckily, with Steve Jenkins’ book, Dogs and Cats, you don’t have to decide. This cleverly designed two-in-one book allows readers to learn fascinating facts about both of these popular pets simply by turning the book over. Complete with two separate “front” covers and title pages, readers never feel they are reading the book the wrong way. Dogs and Cats looks at the history of each species, how they interact with humans, and amazing features and facts, such as why dogs bury bones and why cats chase their tales. Jenkins, the author/illustrator of 18 informational books for children, provides his audience with easy to read information about these creatures arranged by topic, allowing readers to pick and choose where they want to start and what they want to read. To aid this process, each section is labeled with red bolded text and catchy subtitles, making it easier to decide if they want to read “Amazing dog facts”, “From puppy to dog”, or “Who’s the boss?” first. Jenkins also includes outlines of cats on each dog page and vice versa along with teasers, such as “Why do cats sleep so much?” in order to encourage readers to check out the whole book. Readers will want to do this any way, so they can admire the detailed, life-like collages of cats and dogs spread throughout the text. Each collage is accompanied with labels and/or captions, providing additional tidbits about these animals. The cut and torn paper collages, alternating between large close-ups of the animals and smaller images portraying them playing, hunting, sleeping, and eating, are works of art revealing texture, emotion, and movement. As readers approach the half way point, they are given the option of “turn(ing) the book over and start(ing) from the other side” to read about cats or dogs. The illustration of a dog and a cat curled on a rug is a perfect fit for this page, for no matter which direction they reading from, the picture is right side up! This book is sure to become a favorite of children and adults alike, for who can resist the charm of an adorable cat or dog.