Wondrous Creatures- Explore a World of Animals from A to Z

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0974944114 ISBN 13: 9780974944111

Publisher: Travel 4 Life, 2011

Wondrous Creatures is an engaging and exciting book for young people to learn about animals and the habitats from around the world. The book is filled with beautiful photos taken by the author Dean Jacobs as he traveled the world exploring wild places. Included with these photos are journal entries that bring a fun and authentic personal voice to the reading experience. Additionally co-author Amy Tharp has done a masterful job of taking complex scientific information and making it accessible to the elementary reader. Maps show where the wild animals live in the world. A real plus for those visual learners. Included in the back of the book is a glossary and a map of the world that shows exactly where Dean Jacobs found these wondrous creatures. Filled with enough interesting information, this is a book that will engage everyone who picks it up to read.

About the Author:

Dean Jacobs- Dean Jacobs is a Nebraska native. Growing up in the Midwest gave him an appreciation for the simple things in life. He graduated from Wayne State College in Nebraska, earning a degree in Biology. Dean s career began as the Assistant to the President of Wayne State College. Eventually his path led to Pfizer Pharmaceuticals where he was employed in sales/marketing for 10 years. After a great deal of soul-searching, Dean left the security of corporate America and decided to pursue other dreams. This was the beginning of a process that led to a traveling adventure spanning nearly four years and covering over 50 countries. This included a seven- month field assignment for the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International in Rwanda, Africa. When Dean isn t exploring, he travels across the U.S. and abroad presenting programs at schools, leading writing workshops, and giving keynotes to organizations about exploring the world and fulfilling dreams. Amy Tharp- Amy Tharp has spent her 24-year career in education inspiring children to read and to write. Her master s program at Regis University in Denver, Colorado instilled the love of writing for Amy and she has never looked back. She brings her enthusiasm for writing to children as a classroom teacher, literacy specialist, and instructional coach. In recent years, she has combined literacy skills with technology to guide students in following Dean Jacobs in his travels around the world. Amy has incorporated Dean s work into many aspects of her classroom. Due to the success of these projects, Amy and Dean have presented at state, national, and international technology and literacy conferences. Amy is currently an instructional coach and first grade teacher in Littleton, Colorado.

Review:

This book is perfect for teachers who want a cross-curricular approach to teaching literacy in science and social studies. Dean's photographs and journal entries make these animals truly come to life in their natural habitats. A great resource for teachers, parents, and animal lovers of all ages! ---Mark Overmeyer, literacy coordinator; Cherry Creek Schools, Colorado and author of When Writing Workshop Isn t Working and What Student Writing Teaches Us

"This book is a fantastic way for kids of all ages to explore and learn about the natural world. Full of fun and interesting facts, Dean Jacobs puts his personal touch on every page and makes us want to learn more. A great addition to any family library." --Joel Sartore, National Geographic photographer

Dean and Amy have carefully crafted a book that matches every child s interest. Phenomenal photos, personal experiences, and simple easy-to-read text make this book a perfect match for any child ---Cody & Katie Ressel, elementary teachers; Pittsburg, Pennsylvania