• Animals in Surprising Shades
  • Animals in Surprising Shades
  • Animals in Surprising Shades
  • Animals in Surprising Shades
  • Animals in Surprising Shades

Animals in Surprising Shades

Poem's About Earth's Colorful Creatures

Written by Susan Johnston Taylor
Illustrated by Annie Bakst
Cover Design by Bonnie Kelso

Named a 2024 Outstanding Science Trade Book by the NSTA/CBC!

A 2024 CBC Teachers Favorite Award Winner! 

A Bank Street College of Education "Best Children's Books of the Year" selection, (2024 ed.), Poetry, Ages 5 to 9!

SCBWI Crystal Kite Winner, Texas-Oklahoma Region (2024) 

For young poets who love science and young scientists who love poetry, this thoughtful collection of poems about fascinating and colorful creatures found throughout the world invites readers to linger and wonder on every page.

Learn why the Bluefooted Booby puts on a special dance or how the Picasso Bug uses its masterful chemical defense against predators. Explore simple and fun poetic forms like the tanka, haiku, and quatrain. Just be sure to take good notes! An interactive component rewards practicing poets seeking to challenge themselves further.

With gorgeous illustrations and a rainbow of colors to complement the lyrical and engaging text, this book will fit nicely on the shelves of any classroom or library where kids are interested in science, writing or the arts.

March 28, 2023

Key Concepts

STEAM, interactive learning, poetry, and animals.

Additional Details

  • 10 x 10 inches
  • 32 Pages
  • Ages 6 to 11
  • Trade ISBN: 9781957655048
  • Ebook ISBN: 9781957655093

    • Where To Buy

      Need a copy of this (or any Gnome Road Publishing) book? We've got you covered!

    • Educator Resources

      Get the learning guide for Animals in Surprising Shades by Susan Johnston Taylor. Free to you, no purchase required!

    • Bonus Materials

      Bonus content! Enjoy free printables for Animals in Surprising Shades, illustrated by Annie Bakst.

    Reader Reviews

    • ★★★★★

      . . . This combination of science and poetry should delight young readers, encourage young writers, and spur interest in young scientists. VERDICT A STEAM-themed poetry collection that should have broad appeal for young readers and will be a welcome addition to the shelves. Recommended.


      ~ School Library Journal (Jan. 2023)