Animal Fact/Animal Fable

By Simon Seymour
ISBN: 0517588463
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Publishing Date: March 17, 1992

Plot:
This book opens with an introduction explaining how the book is structured. Beginning with a question posed toward an animal's behavior or habitat, then the question is asked: Fact or Fable. Readers then turn the page to find out the answer with an explanation.

Critical Analysis:
This book is simple and easy to read, but filled with details pertaining to animal behavior and habitat, thus debunking the true fact from "fables" spread over time. For instance, the fact/fable that cats have nine lives, or elephants are afraid of mice. The selection of animals are placed in random order throughout the book but consistence regarding the opening page as "fact/fable" and then the responding page posing the awaiting answer, just enough to keep readers coming back for more.
The illustrations are bold and colorful, everything to draw a reader in and spend time coming back for more just to look over the details of each character.

Reviews/Awards:
Hornbook Guide to Children (01/01/1992):
Illustrations rich with detail and humor depict myths about various animals, and the following page confirms or dispels each notion.

Connections:
Great for small children first learning to identify with animals and their capabilities, environment, and habitat/coping skills.