Friday, April 6, 2012

Review: Amazing Animals by Design

We love having a library nearby.

We love having neat science resources easily and freely (when I remember due dates) accessible.

BUT – this mamma is tired of having to pause all those videos, or paraphrase all those books, to exhort and emphasize story of God’s amazing creation.

So I’m pleased to find a book that says it all for me!  Thank you, author Debra…

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Synopsis:

Why is a giraffe's neck so tall? Why do zebras have stripes? Did all of these things happen by accident? When John and Sarah visit the zoo, they ask these questions and many more. Their parents and the zookeepers keep using the word design, but what does that mean? With its relevant message and exciting presentation, this is the perfect book to help introduce children to intelligent design. Come find out in Amazing Animals by Design by Debra Haagen!

Recommended Age:  Grades K-5 
Price: $8.99
For More Info:  http://debrahaagen.tateauthor.com/
To Purchase: Tate Publishing
For More Reviews: TOS Crew

Esmé’s Synopsis:image

This book is about the zoo.  And long necks and trunks to reach food.  And rock shapes and other stuff for camouflage.  My favorite part was about the zebras.  I couldn’t even tell which zebra was in front and which was in back, because the zebras camouflage each other.

What Mom Liked:

  • Credit to the Creator. I love how all credit for animals’ amazing design is given to God.  And how that amazing design carries over to the work God has completed in us, His image.
  • Visual appeal.  The illustrations support the text well.  Simple, colorful but muted so as not to detract from the text, they will grab a younger child’s attention.
  • imageScience tidbits.  Most of the facts in this book are pretty basic, though entirely appropriate for the younger set – such as definitions of prey and predator.  But even this mamma was introduced to some lesser known facts, such as the description of a caracal – a new animal to Miss Esmé.  And I had never thought of the male animals being a brighter color to attract attention of the predators while protecting females and babies – I guess I had always thought of it as being a “male showoff thing…” :)
  • Storyline.  The facts are tied together with the story of a boy and girl at the zoo – an easy-to-relate-to storyline that kids of both genders will enjoy.

If you’re looking for a creation-based educational storybook, this one certainly fits the bill and comes highly recommended from our house!

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Disclaimer:  Thanks to author
Debra Haagen for providing a pdf copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review, and to the program, and to TOS Crew for coordinating the review.  All opinions are our own.

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