Book Review: Paws, Claws, Hands and Feet

Paws, Claws, Hands, and Feet
Written by Kimberly Hutmacher
Illustrated by Sherry Rogers
32 pages, Ages 3-7

"Waking, shaking, feel the beat;/ paws, claws, hands and feet.."

So begins Kimberly Hutmacher's delightful debut picture book about a boy and his sister who take an imaginary trip to observe playful critters from Africa, Australia, the Antarctic and jungle. Focused on the various ways animals use their hands and feet, the siblings watch in fascination as a monkey climbs a tree, a frog leaps onto a lily pad, and a lion uses his claws to mark his territory.

Written in a poetic "terse verse" form, the simple rhymes leave room for the reader’s imagination, while vibrant, large-sized illustrations underscore each animal’s activities. One double page spread that depicts a benevolent elephant with the boy-adventurer riding atop his back, is pared with text that reads, "Roaming, romping/prairie stomping." The rhythmic text continues on the next page: "Hipping, hopping/outback bopping." Rogers’ cheery illustration portrays the delighted boy peeking at a kangaroo through his binoculars.

When the adventure ends, the boy falls asleep in his bedroom among his books and toys. Observant readers will enjoy searching this final illustration for the science and nature book titles on the boy’s bookshelf. They may also be delighted to notice that the stuffed animals represent the creatures featured in the story.

The four-page educational guide at the end of the book offers additional activities and fun facts about the various ways animals use their hands and feet. Further teaching materials can be found at the publisher’s website: http://www.sylvandellpublishing.com/.

Reviewed by Heidi Bee Roemer.