SCURRY! and WOOF! Remarkably Magical Nonfiction Appeal

I have a friend who is a gifted writer, but in recent years she has turned her available creative time to photography. Examples of her photos are increasingly breathtaking. What's more, in this past year she has taken the bold step to learn and explore painting- using various media and attempting a wide array of subjects. The works that she's shared are as lovely, thought-provoking, and powerful as her writing and photography. 

Her versatility and talents came to mind when I read these two nonfiction picture books by author/photographer Annette Whipple. The first to consider is SCURRY! The Truth About Spiders.

Reycraft Books, September, 2021

After an initial AWE response to the images, a careful examination of these two books will reveal several strategies and craft techniques to account for their excellence. Whipple has made the world of spiders utterly appealing! 

Here are just a few ways she accomplished this magical achievement.The obvious place to start is with the many spectacular photographs that inspire awe and also inform. Any viewer of any image will be ensnared in the web of color, charisma, and complex life of each of the many species of spiders Whipple's photos reveal. 

Using the often-recommended "trick" of focusing on the eyes makes a powerful beginning, (something that works with snaps of babies and even ZOOM shots!), but the creator of this magic turns those images of eyes into unforgettable factual content. Reporting eight eyes for spiders (at least for most), she follows with the surprising fact that most still have rather poor ability to see! Nevertheless, those eyes and their patterns are one of the most visible traits used by scientists and hobbyists in distinguishing one type of spider from another. This comprehensive exploration of spider with its superb blend of photos and facts becomes even more powerful with the artful use of some occasional spider-speaking cartoon questions, challenges, invitations, and incidental facts. 

Can you imagine what happens when Whipple tosses in ...language of the main expository text that's kid-friendly and focuses on the kinds of questions that curious kids will want to know? Lively details like eight legs? And what happens if one leg is eaten or breaks off? What are those two other things that look like arms? How can spiders make that silky web-stuff? And really? Spiders can control how thick or thin the web fibers are? How sticky or smooth? And web fibers are stronger than steel, when compared in weight and size? Oh, and they eat HOW? What's with so much HAIR? Seriously? 

What happens is magical.

These are only some of the fascinating aspects of spiders that will have kids (and adults) inspecting the images in the books, sharing facts with others, and even shifting their attitudes about live spiders they encounter. Just in case some readers are not converted by facts and images, the author even provides a page of suggestions for desensitizing those with engrained fears. 

Back matter serves anyone seeking to explore further, to take on some challenges, or to consider photographing and writing about other creatures would do well to use this as mentor text. I am certain there are countless kids who will be captured in the appealing web of this book.

Reycraft Books, June, 2021

If by any chance the topic of SPIDERS isn't doing it for you, who can resist DOGS? WOOF! The Truth About Dogs is an irresistible presentation of DOG information, wisdom, and surprises. It also advocates for readers of any age to volunteer at rescue shelters as companions, playmates, and general helpers for canines waiting and hoping for a fur-ever home. 

The talent and strategies that shine in SCURRY! are center-stage in this picture book, beginning with the eyes on that cover! In this case, though, Whipple builds on the fact that so many DOG parts and patterns are familiar to readers. Then she uses photos and friendly phrasing to clarify, correct, and expand on readers' awareness of this ubiquitous but diverse species. The question/answer approach, compare/contrast text patterns, and the widely varied cartoon-comic dog characters with something significant to say keeps the pages turning and the information memorable. 

Back matter is kid-directed and also irresistible, with pages showing how to make a dog toy, compare breed facts and images, consider an instructional/safety page about how to app[roach an unfamiliar dog, images and insights revealing what volunteering might involve, and an answer to that frequent question: Are dogs just tame wolves?  

What, you can't really imagine I'd offer her answer here, can you? Get the book and read for yourselves!

These two titles belong in every library, many classrooms, and family homes. Both titles offer the allure of "coffee table books" in enticing and engaging casual audiences while also providing well-selected and curated informational content in ways that entertain and invite questions, further reading, or discussion. These titles also offer mentor examples for anyone considering writing nonfiction, for developing photographic skills, or even for those interested in using photos by others to enhance your text. 

Check them both out!