Actual Size

BIBLIOGRAPHY

Jenkins, Steve. 2004. Actual Size. New York: Houghton Mifflin. ISBN 0618375945

PLOT SUMMARY

In this picture book, Caldecott award winner Steve Jenkins shows eighteen animals and insects, both large and small, in their actual size.

CRITICAL ANALYSIS

Although this book does not include references, Steven Jenkins is a well known author who can be trusted as a reliable source.  Based on the format of the book, there is little room for deviating from accuracy.  As a picture book, the book is short, at only 28 pages long.  Despite the length of this book, it is packed with information.  Each entry gives a fact about an animal (such as the Alaskan brown bear is the largest meat-eating animal that lives on land) and information about the size of the animal (the same brown bear is 13 feet tall and weighs 1,700 pounds).  Along with each entry is an illustration depicting the animal in its actual size.  The result is completely engaging.  At the end of the book, Jenkins has included a section that shows a small illustration of the animals included in the book and a short paragraph detailing the animal’s traits and characteristics. 

Other than the descriptions at the end of the book, Jenkins does not include any other reference aids.  While that may make searching for specific information difficult, that is not really the purpose of this book.  Most children would not use this specific book as a tool for research, but rather as an engaging way to learn more about animals.  The lack of reference aids does not minimize the effectiveness of this book.

The design of Actual Size is an area where Jenkins is really able to show off.  Each graphic is expertly created from collages of cut and torn paper.  By illustrating the animals in their actual size, the pictures take on a real-life feel and the impact is huge.  The detail that Jenkins is able to master with his illustrations is completely astounding.  For example, the illustration of the gorilla’s hand looks lifelike and it is almost impossible to stop yourself from putting your hand on top of it. 

While the final section includes complex words that may be difficult for younger readers, the text throughout most of the book is written in a simple way that will not be so difficult that children are turned off.  Jenkins seems to have the ability to take a book filled with information and present it in a way that makes the reader forget they are learning something.

Actual Size is targeted toward children ages 4-8, but all ages will enjoy this book.  I sure did!

REVIEW EXCERPT(S)

Horn Book Guide:  “Jenkins's signature cut-paper collages are once again amazing.”

School Library Journal:  “Mixing deceptive simplicity with absolute clarity, this beautiful book is an enticing way to introduce children to the glorious diversity of our natural world, or to illustrate to budding scientists the importance of comparison, measurement, observation, and record keeping. A thoroughly engaging read-aloud and a must-have for any collection.”

CONNECTIONS

Actual Size is a good indicator of Jenkins’ style.  If readers are interest in this book, the following might appeal to them as well:

Jenkins, Steve. Prehistoric Actual Size. ISBN 0618535780

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