Felina's New Home

September 1, 2010

Gr 1-3-This book walks a fine line between fiction and nonfiction as Felina introduces her Florida surrounds and laments to other animals about what she sees and hears, such as, "Don't people know that their loud noises scare animals like me?" as kids on dirt bikes speed past her. With each human encroachment the panther encounters, she engages in conversation with other creatures about how particular human developments or behaviors have destroyed or reduced their livable space. This is not a bad message; it's just that animals are chatting it up, much like we humans do across the fence to our neighbors. To be fair, the tracings on the book never claim it to be nonfiction, but it is a bit off-putting. The back matter includes factual material about the animals depicted, and a website, sponsored by the publisher, is mentioned as a way for teachers to acquire materials and activities to extend the book's content. The illustrations are bold and clear, though it is puzzling for Felina to have a smilelike countenance on two of the pages where she is supposed to be fearful. The artist has done a solid job of representing the Florida landscape and seven of its threatened denizens.-Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID

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