Book Title: Humanimal: Incredible Ways Animals are Just Like Us! (available here)
Author: Christopher Lloyd
Illustrator: Mark Ruffle
Publisher: Whatonearthbooks
Publication Date: Sept 2019
Most Suitable For: Year 4-6
Reviewed By: Julie Wells and Class 4 at All Saints Rangemore
Humanimal is an illustrated non-fiction text that shows the inextricable interconnections of the human and animal worlds in ways you never before imagined. This book did not stay in my review pile for long. In fact, once my class spotted it they got in first and passed it eagerly around before I got a go!
The Illustrations, headings and labels engaged them straight away and drew them in to read the detailed and informative text. The style of this book was a hit from the beginning from the title, which suggests those human and animal links by many of the same patterns of behaviour. As the class read each chapter, it was accompanied by discussion, questions and ponderings about what they had read and also about other animals that may display similar or contrasting traits.
Sometimes complicated theories were explained by making these links in ways that were very relevant for my Year 5/6 class. Unusual details about more obscure animals, as well as facts about creatures that are often domestic pets, helped to widen knowledge from reading without the book feeling like it was trying to reach you something.
An excellent glossary, detailed list of contributors and information about the sources of information used meant that some of my class now have ideas for future careers, inspired by what they had read and desperate to find out more!
A definite hit!
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You can order Humanimal online or from your local bookshop or library.
Many thanks to the publisher for sending us a review copy of this book and to Review Panel member Caroline for reviewing it.
Where next?
> Visit our Reading for Pleasure Hub
> Browse our Topic Booklists
> View our printable year group booklists.
> See our Books of the Month.
