Lifetime : The Amazing Numbers in Animal Lives by Lola M. Schaefer, illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. Chronicle Books, 2013. ISBN 978-1-4521-0714-1
Summary: Schaefer has created an informational narrative which shows how many times a particular animal does something during its lifetime. Beginning with a single spider's egg sac, and progressing with ever increasing numbers through alpaca fleeces grown, woodpecker nests created, and kangaroo babies born, until reaching 1,000, the simple text and supporting illustrations offer a visually quantifiable look at the lives of the featured animals.
Neal's crisp, mixed media illustrations clearly demonstrate the animal in its habitat, and include the countable items, prominently placed and ready to be tallied. Detailed information about each of the animals highlighted in the book is provided after the main body of text. Additionally, the author offers an explanation of the concept of "average", and incorporates several examples of how averages are calculated.
Critical Evaluation: The animals, insects, and birds selected for inclusion in this title are unusual enough that most children will not have a detailed knowledge about their habits before reading Lifetime. Schaefer's writing tone is conversational and friendly, and includes humorous asides. Neal's artwork portrays the animals in an attractive style, and makes even potentially frightening animals like the alligator appear worthy of closer examination and counting.
Besides the fascinating facts and engaging illustrations, one of the strong points of this book is the multiple levels of literacy and mathematical comprehension that it appeals to. Pre-readers (and counters) will enjoy the imagery of the animals and their surroundings. Children in kindergarten and first grade can read about and count the featured objects for themselves. Second and third graders will grasp the higher math concepts and be challenged by developing a deeper understanding of how averages and lifetime counts are determined. This truly is a book that children can enjoy for years, returning to it again and again as their abilities and comprehension grow and deepen.
Age or Interest Level: Pre-K to Grade 3
Lexile Level: 860L
Awards:NSTA Outstanding Science Trade Books for Students K–12: 2014;
2014 NCTE Orbis Pictus Award Recommended Book
Why Included? The accessibility of this book for such a wide range of ages and abilities is impressive. Also, informational works in picture book format are a valuable introduction to the world of facts for early learners.