Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia – Teacher Resources
SYNOPSIS
The Kingfisher Animal Encyclopedia is a comprehensive reference book with details
of more than 2,000 species of animals. The introduction looks at the great number and
variety of animals in the world, habitats, adaptation and endangered species, and is
followed by a section that explains the classification system of animals. Entries on
individual species are arranged in sections according to animal groups. Each entry
details important and interesting characteristics of the animal, together with its
common name, Latin name, distribution and size. Throughout the book, there are
panels presenting further information on topics such as communication, migration,
and camouflage. The book is illustrated with striking photography and artwork, and
presents information in a format that is simple and easily accessible.
THEMES
WRITING STYLE
The Encyclopedia is written in a crisp and concise style, with a general introduction
and section on animal classification to help the reader navigate it. In the main body of
the book, each section has introductory paragraphs with general information about the
group of animals presented, and further general paragraphs introduce any sub-groups
within a section. Information in the main text is supplemented by panels scattered
throughout the book that focus on particular aspects of animal characteristics or
behaviour, and by detailed captions to illustrations.
The entries describe the most important features of the species and offer interesting
comparisons. The text is absorbing and makes this encyclopedia work not only as a
reference tool, but also as a book suitable for browsing.
AUTHOR/ILLUSTRATOR BACKGROUND
David Burnie studied zoology and botany and has worked as a nature reserve ranger
and biologist. He has written and contributed to many award-winning books and
multimedia titles. He has also acted as a consultant and scriptwriter for natural history
programmes.
EDITORIAL COMMENT
The Kingfisher Illustrated Animal Encyclopedia has been thoroughly researched by
the author and editors and fully checked for factual accuracy. Beautiful photography
and illustration is used to complement the text, making this an attractive and enticing
book. The index clearly indicates which pages carry the bulk of information on a
particular subject, helping to make this an easy-to-use reference book.
TEACHER ACTIVITIES/NOTES
• Make a poster showing the key features of insects, fish, reptiles, birds and mammals.
• Choose a habitat and make a list of four contrasting animals that could live in it.
Describe how these animals are adapted to their surroundings.
• Read the ‘distribution’ information for a range of animals listed in the book. Find
out which ones are found in many regions and which live only in one region. As you
go along, look up the locations in an atlas.
• Find five different ways in which animals defend themselves.
• Select some examples of camouflage. Draw a picture of a habitat with animals
blending in.
• Choose an animal feature such as eyes, skin or feet. Create a chart showing
similarities and differences in various animals.
• Pick four animals that are illustrated in the book. Use the size information given at
the end of the entries to help you sketch how big they would look next to each other.
• List your top ten favourite animals in this book. Give the reasons for your choices.