Armor & Animals

December 15, 2020
A museum educator takes a stab at comparing medieval arms and armor to lobster tails and other animal defenses. Baill juxtaposes stock animal photos, some in color, some not, with photos of full suits or pieces of armor (ditto) from the collections of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. These accompany either discussion-starting questions like "What do slimy snails and shining armor have in common?" or such audience-friendly observations as "A group of rhinos is called a crash." Several of the photographed figures are too dark to make out smaller details easily, though, and except for a ladybug on a blade of grass, all are placed without visual context against low-contrast monochrome backgrounds that sometimes darken them further. Claims that rhinos can reach "their top speed in no time" and that armored knights could still run and jump are at best credulity stretching. A comment that every ring in a shirt of chain mail "is stamped with the name of an important person" is, frustratingly, not backed up with a closer look at the shirt. An appendix offers further details about the artifacts but not the animals--which leaves readers to guess, for instance, how that ladybug's "bright color is a warning to other creatures." Younger museumgoers might better arm themselves with the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Can You Find It? series. The premise of this series kickoff is better than the presentation. (author's note) (Informational picture book. 5-7)

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February 1, 2021

Gr 2-5-As manager of family programs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Baill leads "Days of Knights" family tours. This role allowed her to discover the fascination kids have with armor. In this illustrated title, she discusses animal defenses and compares armored animals, such as rhinos and turtles, to knights. For example, armadillos have bony bands on their back. This same concept was used to protect horses; their armor is connected by small nails and leather straps on the inside. The quills on porcupines are compared to the pole arms that guards used to protect their castles. Bright spreads feature photos of animals and a variety of fonts in different sizes and colors, offering a pleasing visual design. The spare text helps young readers enjoy and understand the book. End pages include additional information about each of the armored pieces. Kids will be fascinated by this unique look at animal adaptations. VERDICT Purchase to teach animal adaptations and compare/contrast themes.-Sandra Welzenbach, Villarreal Elem. Sch., San Antonio

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