Review by Kirkus Book Review
A heap of collective nouns for assorted animals. Adults may know that whales form a pod, chickens a clutch, and owls a parliament, but even older readers will be delighted by the revelation that a boatload of bears--here, clad in deerstalker hats and trench coats--constitutes a "sleuth." The rhyming text describes the creatures taking part in hilariously apt activities: A "grumble" of pugs reluctantly await a gym session; the "crash of rhinos" get into a bumper-to-bumper collision pileup; sporting barrister wigs and robes, the "parliament of owls stand judging." Jackson offers delightful details to reward careful readers; one of the "shiver of sharks" who "don't make a sound" lifts a fin to its mouth in a shushing motion. Clever and elegant watercolorlike illustrations add an extra dimension of fun: The "colony of chinchillas," clad in tricorn hats and mob caps, appear to be reenacting the Boston Tea Party; outfitted in suits, the "band of gorillas" strike poses reminiscent of the Beatles (complete with Paul's left-handed bass grip). The roller skating "flamboyance of flamingos" hoist a rainbow flag; one sports a purple feather boa, while another wears beads. The mix of humor, detailed art, and unusual group nouns wins the day. Young logophiles will relish this witty, vocabulary-expanding tale.(Information picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
