*Review* Been There, Done That: Reading Animal Signs by Jen Funk Weber

Genre: Education/Science

Published: February 10, 2016

Pages: 32

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Synopsis

Spotting wildlife is a thrill, but it's not easy. When Cole comes to visit his friend Helena, he can't wait to see all the wildlife the forest has to offer and is disappointed when all he sees are a few birds. Together the kids set out on a hike and encounter plenty of animal signs along the way. Through observation and her knowledge of animal behavior, Helena helps Cole learn what each of the signs means: something had been there; something had done that.

Review

I received a copy of this book through the Goodreads First Reads giveaway program in the hopes that I would leave an honest review. 

As a homeschooling parent, I'm always on the lookout for educational books that are more interesting than your standard textbook. This book fits that bill in my opinion. The language is simple enough that a first grader could read it with minimal assistance. There is a matching activity in the back that could reasonably help demonstrate information retention from the book (as well as problem solving in the event that information was not retained well). And the animal sign spotting activity that is described at the end could feasibly be implemented to a degree at a zoo if you live in a more urban area. The facts about the wildlife discussed in this book are an added bonus. This is a book I will definitely be using with my children.

5 out of 5 stars. - Katie 

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About the Author

Jen Funk Weber began writing professionally while working as a winter caretaker for remote lodges in Alaska, often passing six months or more with no electricity, running water, or human neighbors. Jen has written numerous puzzle and activity books, including Nancy Drew: Hollywood Head Scratchers, The Spiderwick Chronicles, Wild About Alaska: A Children s Puzzle Book, Wild About Sudoku, and Alaska s Puzzle Bears. Been There, Done That: Reading Animal Signs is Jen s debut picture book. Jen lives with her husband in a house they built overlooking the Matanuska Glacier in Alaska. They see their moose and bird neighbors often, their human and porcupine neighbors sometimes, and occasionally catch a glimpse of a coyote or lynx.