Whose Footprint Is That?

August 15, 2019
Who goes there? Readers must guess which creatures left their distinctive tracks behind in this fact-filled book. On the verso page of each spread, the question reads, "Whose footprint is that?" and a clue to the maker of the print appears with a snippet of its anatomy--e.g., snout, ears, tail, feather, even, in one case, a section of a body. The recto page displays the print or prints with a sentence or two explaining how the tracks were produced. A page turn yields another spread and the answer: a portrait of the mystery animal and some interesting facts about its feet. A very ancient track maker is included, too. A tantalizing puzzle challenges kids at the end: "Can an animal change its footprints?" Adult readers would do well to let a few moments elapse while children ponder responses before they turn the page and reveal the answer--and another brainteaser. This charmer will hold young children's interest and will succeed one-on-one or as a group read-aloud. It will help develop vocabulary as youngsters learn new words including "wallaroo" and "slithering." The gouache illustrations are appealing. Tracks are large enough to be seen well (and, possibly, traced with little fingers), and their makers are portrayed along with glimpses into their habitats, with furry, feathered, and scaly charms charmingly intact. Kids will make tracks to this one--and likely step up for repeat visits. (Informational picture book. 3-7)

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November 22, 2019

PreS-K-Budding naturalists will appreciate this animal tracking guessing game. Presented with a large animal footprint replica on a white background, readers must deduce which animal left its mark. A sneak peek of the creature's nose, tail, or ears also aids in solving the mystery. Junior detectives will love matching the animals with their tracks. A full spread of the footprint culprit follows, showing the animal in its natural habitat. Readers will likely be familiar with the flamingo, the mountain goat, the chimpanzee, the snowshoe hare, and the snake. However, the walleroo (a smaller cousin of the kangaroo) may be new to them. A dinosaur's fossil print is included in the lineup, though the species is not identified. A final test of skill asks, "Can an animal change its footprints?" In response, the book displays a range of human footwear, including ice skates, hiking boots, and flippers. High-contrast gouache illustrations with minimal background distractions make the animals easy to identify and locate. Details in the artwork add texture and depth. Though pictured, the animals' habitat and geographic location are not described. Still, this title has broad appeal and application for preschoolers. VERDICT A solid choice for nature units and general collections.-Richelle Rose, Kenton County Public Library, KY

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

November 15, 2019
Preschool-G Lunde (Whose Poop Is That?, 2017) turns from scat to feet in this similarly formatted picture book. Introducing each of the seven animals are the recurring question ( Whose footprint is that? ), a visual hint featuring part of the animal, black footprints set against a white background (for easier examination), and a clue about how the footprint was made. Turning the page reveals such animals as a mountain goat, wallaroo, or snowshoe hare, all depicted in their natural settings in textured, gouache paintings. A few sentences of simple text also describe how the animal moves. For instance, a chimpanzee stands on its hind feet but uses finger knuckles for balance when it moves. Although the layout repeats for each animal, there are still plenty of footprint surprises, including a snake's slithering pattern, made without feet, and a dinosaur's fossilized print. But can an animal change its footprint? A final interactive spread lets children match ice skates, hiking boots, and other foot gear to their corresponding footprints. Finally, footnotes readers will enjoy!(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)