How to use this Page

If you know kids who love animals or crafts, Fur and Feathers (Sylvan Dell, 2010) might be just the right picture book for them.

The book, written by Janet Halfmann and illustrated by Laurie Allen Klein, features Sophia.

She’s a helpful little girl who offers to sew exactly the right coat for each of her animal friends after they lose their fur, feathers and scales. Animals line up to explain what they need and why. (Polar Bear needs white fur to stay warm and hide in the snow. Fish needs scales, but with slime. Snake needs scales too, but dry ones.)

Today’s reviewer, Danni, was fascinated by Sophia’s efforts to give every animal just what it required.

Here’s what she had to say:

———————————-

Today’s reviewer: Danni

Age: 5

I like: Tacos, swimming, panda bears, chocolate, ice cream and going to the park.

This book was about: Animals that lost their fur and stuff. And a little girl who helped them.

The best part was when: Sophia saw the polar bear at the zoo with the heart behind her ear.

I laughed when: The penguin had to put on a dress.

I was worried when: I saw the snake and thought it might be poisonous.

I was surprised that: The fish could stay out of the water for that long.

This book taught me: Dreams are really fun.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The animals in all of the funny outfits.

Three words that describe this book are: “Animals.” “Sophia.” “Losing their coats.”

My favorite line or phrase in the book was: “That bear has a red heart behind her ear.”

You should read this book because: It is fun, and animals put on clothes.

———————————-

Thank you, Danni!

Janet Halfmann and Laurie Allen Klein previously teamed up for another book, Little Skink’s Tail , that explores the various kind of tails different animals need.

You can find out more about Janet at her website. You also can read this interview.

And, you can learn more about Laurie at hers. You also can read this interview.

This is the second Janet Halfmann book Danni has reviewed. She also shared her thoughts in this review of Good Night Little Sea Otter.

Janet has two other recent releases, both with animal themes. Check out

There’s no denying that Goodnight Moon is a timeless classic.

But, maybe, your child has requested it as a bedtime story for 822 consecutive nights, and the end doesn’t seem to be in sight. You need a break, and your child needs to branch out.

Give Good Night, Little Sea Otter (Star Bright Books, 2010) a try. Janet Halfmann’s picture book will be a welcome relief.

It’s delightful on several levels. The story is adorable, with a baby sea otter saying good night to all the animals nearby. Mixed in with all the good nights are lots of ocean facts.

Then there’s the art. I’ve always liked otters, but illustrator Wish Williams made these especially cute. And the other sea life is adorable, as well.

So go ahead and read it — even if your child isn’t addicted to Goodnight Moon. 

Now, let’s hear from our guest reviewer.

Our reviewer: Danni

Age: 4

I like: Flowers, hearts, cheeseburgers, swimming, ballet and gymnastics.

This book was about: A baby sea otter saying good night to everything.

The best part was when: The sea otter fell asleep in his mama’s arms.

I laughed when: The whole ocean sang good night to the baby sea otter.

I was worried when: I saw the picture of the crab.

I was surprised that: The baby sea otter finally fell asleep. I thought he would never go to sleep.

The book taught me: That seagulls squawk when they talk and that sea otters wrap themselves up in seaweed when they go to sleep.

Other kids reading this book should watch for: The baby sea otter dipping his face in the water to say good night to the fish.

Three words that best describe this book are: “Good night,” “crabs,” “sea otter.”

My favorite line in the book is: “Good night little sea otter, the entire ocean sang back to him.”

You should read this book because: You can learn about the different animals and fish in the ocean.

Thanks, Danni!

If you’d like to learn more about Janet Halfmann and her other books, visit her website.