Time to Eat by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page

Jenkins, Steve, and Robin Page. 2011. Time to eat. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 0547250320

Summary: 
Using torn paper collage illustrations, Jenkins and Page depict a variety of species of animals and provide facts about the unusual eating habits of each.  A brief introduction connects the readers to the subject matter by asking about favorite foods and comparing potential answers to the unappetizing diets that are featured in later pages.  Each animal description and illustration has a headline or  caption that employs humor or surprise to catch the readers' attention.  The illustrations are colorful and realistic and support the unexpected, informative, and sometimes grisly details of the ways animals seek, store, consume, and digest food.  At the end of the book, the authors have provided additional information about the habitat and lifestyle of each animal.

Analysis:
Jenkins is a prolific author of informational books on animals.  His website (http://www.stevejenkinsbooks.com/) provides background on his interest in animals and science and also provides a glimpse into the process he uses to research his books and create the illustrations.  The information provided in the end notes is full of specifics and facts that will enhance the reading.  Although the book covers a wide range of species, animals that share two-page spreads in the book are connected either by a similarity in their feeding habits or because they represent two extremes.  The common wood tick, which can wait years between meals, is contrasted with the northern short-tailed shrew which must eat every few hours or die.  Each page is simply adorned with the animal illustration with no background or clutter to distract, and white space is used to good effect.  The text is brief and simple letting the facts provide the punch.   The illustrations are sure to catch the eye of scanners or browsers and each spread is self-contained enough to stand alone, although the books as a whole will provide a more cohesive experience.

Awards & Reviews:
2011 Eureka!  Nonfiction Children's Book Award
2012 Chicago Public Library's Best of the Best
Booklist, starred review:  "Another standout science title from the husband-and-wife team."
Publisher's Weekly review:  characteristically naturalistic yet artful collages"
School Library Journal:  "With phenomenal illustrations and facts both revolting and fascinating, this title is sure to please."

Connections:

• Use as a read aloud with young elementary students in animal behavior unit.
• Have children write and illustrate an animal fact.  Assemble into a book for the classroom library.
• Encourage students to explore the author's website and view the "making books" section for insight into the research and creation of Jenkins's work.
• Other animal books by Jenkins & Page:

Jenkins, Steve, and Robin Page. 2011. Time for a bath. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Books for Children. ISBN 0547250371

Jenkins, Steve, and Robin Page. 2011. Time to sleep. Boston: Houghton Mifflin books for Children. ISBN 0547250401