Somewhere Today

In dramatic, precisely detailed paintings, the author of Animal Alphabet captures various species of animals in their courtship rituals, at work and play, and coping with the needs of survival.

Grade 2-5-- Kitchen highlights a unique characteristic of each of 12 different animals. These creatures, not limited to one geographic area, are painted in acrylics in the author/illustrator's distinctive, dramatic, uncluttered style, appearing on the right side of each spread; on the left, in two or three succinct paragraphs, is a discussion of, for example, why dung beetles shape dung into balls, or how a sidewinder rattlesnake moves across the desert. While this organizing concept could be accused of falling into the ``gee-whiz'' school of science, the elegance and accessibility of the presentation should lead readers to other more detailed explanations of animal behavior. --Ellen Fader, Westport Public Library, CT
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The conspicuous artistry evidenced in such works of Kitchen's as Animal Alphabet and Gorilla Chinchilla are readily apparent here, though without this author-illustrator's customary creative flair. In 12 spreads, creatures ranging from the relatively familiar (rattlesnake, sea otter) to the more exotic (western grebe, archerfish) are characterized in a sort of scattershot Wild Kingdom. The paintings once again demonstrate Kitchen's mastery of true-to-life animal portraiture--the fetching sea otter basks in a rock-edged sea of luminous gray; two courting bald eagles, locked in "a spectacular display of aerial acrobatics," appear frozen against a distant mountain range. Perhaps because of this book's serious purpose, however, Kitchen's light touch (frequent drollery, in fact) is absent. The myriad facts, though often engrossing, are presented in rather dry, textbook-like fashion, while the eponymous linkage (each textual section notes that the creature is engaging in typical behavior "somewhere today") is a somewhat tenuous device. Informative but disappointing. Ages 4-up.
Copyright 1992 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The creator of the outstandingly elegant Animal Alphabet (1984) presents 12 beautifully composed, exquisitely detailed full-page portraits of animals in action: a sea otter floating on its back cracking mollusks; an archerfish squirting down a ladybug; a pair of eagles, talons linked, dramatically plummeting in their courtship ritual; a pair of handsome blue dung beetles at work; a golden dormouse curled peacefully in golden dry grass. The action in each scene is described clearly and briefly, with a few interesting facts about the animals included. Not for reference, but to use as a reminder of creation's beauty, and for simple enjoyment of the art. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 4+) -- Copyright ©1992, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.