Arndt, Ingo. Best Foot Forward.

Arndt, Ingo.  Best Foot Forward.  Holiday House  2013  unp  ISBN 978-0-8234-2857-1  pre K-elem  E-BNe   Nonfiction     

In a series of gorgeous photographs, the author zeroes in on the features of various animals’ feet, claws and flippers that help them adapt to their habitats.  The text is just enough to get the message across that all of the animals evolved just the way they needed to.  In addition, there is a little guessing-game quality to the book, as the beginning of each section asks the reader to identify the animal whose foot is shown.  The rich colors and superb detail of the photographs is complemented by succinct language that explains why each animal’s foot (or claw, or flipper) is just right for that animal.  I can see using this book with one child or a small group gathered around the reader.  It is a great lesson in adaptation and evolution at a very elementary level, and it really engages the child.         

Summary: In a series of gorgeous photographs, the author zeroes in on the features of various animals’ feet, claws and flippers that help them adapt to their habitats.  The text is just enough to get the message across that all of the animals evolved just the way they needed to.     

Evolution, Animal anatomy                                --Carol Kennedy