Review by Booklist Review
A horde of animals on the move is examined in prolific nonfiction author Gibbons' attractive and fact-filled latest. In short, declarative sentences, Gibbons profiles migrating animals such as sandhill cranes, walruses, and reindeer. After a section on migration routes, in general, the animals are grouped according to how they migrate, with sections on "Migration in the Sky," "Migration on Land," and "Migration in the Water," along with a closing "Let's Get Going" offering extra facts. Packing the pages with a plethora of facts, Gibbons details how far each species migrates, why (for food, for a warmer breeding spot, etc.), and related tidbits--what the animals do when they arrive, for example. Children will be absorbed, too, in the pleasingly retro and vividly hued watercolors of the animals and their journeys. Covering whole double-page spreads, the illustrations also feature multiple maps showing each species' route. A great addition to nonfiction shelves, especially where animal encyclopedias are popular. Pair it with the Children's Illustrated Animal Atlas (2017) for classroom units on migration and to introduce young readers to different kinds of nonfiction presentations.
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
K-Gr 3--Gibbons opens with a clear definition of migration and an enthusiastic invitation to readers. The subject of migration is easy to understand and will appeal to the demographic. Subtopics, such as migration routes and migration in the sky, on land, and in the water, are labeled in bold red letters and then explained. The text and the illustrations work beautifully together. Important vocabulary is introduced and then immediately used in the text. For example, after the word climate is defined, the text explains that animals often migrate to find climates that are more suitable for mating and raising their young. The text pulses with enthusiasm and also highlights the unknowns of science by referring to what scientists "believe" to be true. The illustrations, created with watercolors, black ink, and colored pencil, depict a variety of animals in migration. Maps show migration routes that include detailed captions. Gibbons's encouragement to "get going" is hard to resist. VERDICT Gibbons makes migration accessible and endlessly fascinating. An excellent addition to collections featuring scientific studies of animal behavior and language arts investigations of how to clearly present information with enthusiasm.--Myra Zarnowski, City Univ. of New York
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
From birds, bats, and butterflies to grass-eating land mammals to whales and fish, animals migrate as their needs and the seasons change. Gibbons draws on years of experience introducing the natural world to very young readers and listeners to explain an important concept: animal migration. Using a wide variety of examples, she explains both the why and some theories about the how. After a brief introduction, she organizes her presentation topically: migration routes; migration in the sky, on land, and in the water; and finally, how people see and learn about migrations. Each colorful spread includes exposition in large font, definitions in a smaller font, and vignettes of many different species, each pictured on a relevant background (penguins on ice floes, reindeer in a snowy evergreen forest, zebras on grasslands, etc.). Most include hand-drawn maps of the globe showing species-specific migration paths. The animals are generally recognizable and always labeled. Where humans are shown, they are usually white-skinned. An afterword, curiously titled "Let's Get Going," includes a variety of additional facts including a mention of one effect of global warming. While there are many titles about specific migratory journeys for a young audience, few are so encompassing. Marian Berkes' Going Home, illustrated by Jennifer DiRubbio (2010), presents examples but does not pull back for an overall look at the topic till the backmatter. A straightforward, wide-ranging survey that should be a welcome addition to the nature shelf. (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
