Book Review: BIGGEST, STRONGEST, FASTEST by Steve Jenkins

1.     BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Steve. Biggest, Strongest, Fastest. New York: Ticknor & Fields Books for Young Readers, 1995. ISBN: 0395861365

2.  PLOT SUMMARY

Which animal is the biggest? Which is the slowest? Which animal gives the strongest electric shock? Steve Jenkins takes young readers through an exploration of animals that are the biggest, strongest, fastest, etc. With simple text, textured collage illustrations, and a short fact for each animal, this book will be a fun one for young readers to explore.

3.     CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Written for young readers, Jenkins presents facts about each animal simply and concisely. One sentence is all he needs to convey the main thought for each animal he introduces. However, to compliment that sentence, in smaller print, usually tucked into the corner of the page, there are also another two or three sentences that describe the main idea with slightly more detail. There is also a small picture that shows the scale of the animal in the illustration compared to items familiar to a child. The largest animal, a bird spider, is shown in comparison to a human, adult hand, for example. The strongest animal, an ant, is depicted holding five ants above his head, while the human holds only one human above his head. These small insets are just as interesting as the main sentences.

Jenkins does his own illustrations for this book. His collages have interesting texture themselves and are set against backgrounds with a contrasting texture. The soft colors and obvious texture make the pictures interesting to look at. They are also the main focus of each page and invite the reader to explore them leisurely and in detail. The hair on the spider is particularly interesting to look at.

4. REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Caldecott Honor Book

Starred Review, BOOKLIST:
"Here's proof that power isn't just about size and that science can be a lot of fun."

SCHOOL LIBRARY JOURNAL: “Large, clear print; fascinating facts; and beautiful, detailed, cut-paper collages make this excellent title a delight. One main fact is presented per spread about each of 14 animals… Two more relevant facts are given in smaller print. Silhouette drawings show comparative sizes… The realistic, inventive, textured illustrations, mostly double spreads, flow smoothly from page to page. A helpful chart at the end contains further information about each creature, such as diet and habitat. An all-round superlative effort.”

5. CONNECTIONS

*Steve Jenkins writes a series of books, all focused on similar subjects. A study of this series would make a fun introduction to different facets of animal life that are not often introduced to small children.

*Similar books by Steve Jenkins:

Jenkins, Steve. ACTUAL SIZE. ISBN: 0547512910.

Jenkins, Steve. JUST A SECOND. ISBN: 0618708960.

Jenkins, Steve. WHAT DO YOU DO WHEN SOMETHING WANTS TO EAT YOU?. ISBN: 0618152431.

Jenkins, Steve. WHAT DO YOU DO WITH A TAIL LIKE THIS?. ISBN: 0618256288.