WHOSE BONES?

Using verbal clues, readers guess which skeleton belongs to which animal.

The book opens with an introduction to the topic via T. rex and human skeletons. On the verso of each subsequent spread, a clear image of a skeleton appears in white against a black background, with the guessing-game invitation “Whose bones are these?” The recto has a short paragraph highlighting one part of the depicted skeleton, such as skull, spine, or leg bones. Below that, three additional facts are shared in the first person, as if the animal itself is doling out the clues, along with the query “Who am I?” Readers can then open the gatefold flap left to right to reveal an image of the living creature in question in its habitat and in the exact same physical position as the skeleton across the spread for easy comparison. Brewster’s imagery steals the show, with the look of woodcut prints in rich and intentionally limited colors. Additional facts are shared about the animal under the flap along with encouragement for readers to compare their skeleton with various animals'. Departing from most board books, very specific species are depicted and include an African bush elephant, a bumblebee bat, and a reticulated python.

An excellent and even playful introduction to the skeletal system of both human- and animalkind.