I Was: The Stories of Animal Skulls by Katherine Hocker, illustrated by Natasha Donovan - ADVISABLE

I Was: The Stories of Animal Skulls by Katherine Hocker, illustrated by Natasha Donovan. NON-FICTION PICTURE BOOK. Candlewick, 2024. $19. 9781536223132

CONTENT: PG (The skulls may upset small kids)

BUYING ADVISORY: EL (K-3), EL - ADVISABLE

APPEALS TO: MANY

"I Was" is an interesting and fun way to learn about the lives of animals from a different perspective. The book describes and explains the skulls of animals like birds, big cats, and more. The illustrations are simple but engaging, pulling readers in from the start. The end of the book also shows what a human skull looks like and names the anatomy, showing what they're for.

Hocker writes a beautiful way to show a different side of the animals of the world and would especially be great for kids interested in science. This book is great for students across the ages and exposes them to learning about the circle of life. It handles a difficult conversation in a graceful way, helping kids learn more about the world around them. While the topic may be difficult for some kids, especially younger ones, I could see many benefitting from it.

Bryant Baird, Librarian