Genre 4: How Many Ways Can You Catch A Fly?

How Many Ways Can You Catch A Fly?


Jenkins, Steve & Robin Page. 2008. How Many Ways Can You Catch A Fly?. Ill. by Steve Jenkins. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 978-0-618-96634-9.

Plot Summary

How Many Ways Can You Catch A Fly explores the adaptations of animals all around the world, and how they learn to survive with their interesting characteristics and ingenious solutions to problems. Readers examine how different animals might snare a fish, hatch an egg, use a leaf, eat a clam, dig a hole, and of course, catch a fly. Jenkins and Page even provide us with an encyclopedia-like glossary, which offers even more fascinating facts and figures at the end of the book.

Critical Analysis

One can't help but note the prominent role the number six plays in this book. The book is separated into six sections: How many ways can you… snare a fish? hatch an egg? use a leaf? catch a fly? dig a hole? and eat a clam? In each of these sections, Jenkins depicts six different animals using their unique adaptations to survive in their given environment. While some of these animals are well-known, students will not be familiar with many of the animals depicted in this book. Jenkins and Page look at animals from the familiar grizzly bear and dolphin to the lesser known anhinga, net-casting spider, and assassin bug. Through out the pages of this book, readers are treated to nuggets of knowledge that will surely pique the interest of even the most reluctant reader, such as the ichneumon wasp, who lays its eggs inside caterpillars. Once the eggs hatch, the wasp larvae devour their surrogate mother from the inside out!

Reluctant readers will enjoy this book as it can be read cover to cover or dipped into for interesting tidbits of information. At the back of the book, the authors provide two-page spreads of additional information on the thirty-six featured animals. Each detailed description is accompanied by a small image of the creature. The bibliography offers readers resources to gain even more information and adds credibility to the book.

Jenkins created his ingenious illustrations using cut and torn paper collage. Each animal is large enough to provide readers with intriguing detail. While all of the illustrations are accurate and detailed, a few seem to come alive on the page, including the soulful orangutan holding a leaf above his head to keep dry, the pouncing slender loris, and the clam-breaking raccoon.

Review Excerpts

Booklist starred: "An enthralling read-aloud, especially in small groups, where children can crowd up close to the images."

Kirkus: "Similar in format to their highly successful What Do You Do With a Tail Like This? (2003), this stunning creation combines Jenkins's gorgeous hand-made paper illustrations with an engaging text that's wonderful for both group reading or sharing one-on-one."

Library Media Connection: "The book is rooted in solid research, but is presented in such an appealing way that a child might be able to dip into it for answers but also devour it like a Mexican burrowing toad. It is a must for school and public library collections."

Connections

This book would be great to use when learning about adaptations and animals’ characteristics that help them to survive.

Related Books

What Do You Do When Something Wants To Eat You? by Steve Jenkins
What Do You Do with a Tail Like This? (Caldecott Honor Book) by Steve Jenkins
Biggest, Strongest, Fastest by Steve Jenkins

Cover art from http://www.librarything.com/