“A DROVE OF BULLOCKS: A Compilation of Animal Group Names” and “A FILTH OF STARLINGS: A Compilation of Bird and Aquatic Animal Group Names” by PatrickGeorge, May 1, 2011, $12.99 each (ages 5 and up)
Most picture books are for children, though many adults do appreciate them. There are also picture books that are decidedly for an older audience. Then there’s a third group, one that all ages can enjoy. Such is the case with “A Drove of Bullocks” and “A Filth of Starlings.”
The two books look at animal group names in a way that’s both surprising and different.
You most likely have heard of a school of whales, a flock of geese, a murder of crows, a litter of kittens, a colony of ants or a pride of lions. But do you know about a parcel of hogs, a kaleidoscope of butterflies, or a business of ferrets, a flamboyance of flamingos or a smack of jellyfish?
All of the above are featured in this pair of collections that features some of the lesser-known and sometimes more fanciful group names.
Each entry features interesting factoids about the animals and is accompanied by a bold and colorful illustration. For example, “A tower of giraffes” offers information about the height and speed of these grassland animals. Juxtaposed is an image of a city skyline with a giraffe’s silhouette standing tall above the buildings.
“A quiver of cobras” explains how shy the reptile is, and the corresponding image depicts cobra heads as the quiver of arrows. “A pod of dolphins” appear listening to iPods, while text speaks to the mammals’ social networking. And “A turn of turtles” takes on the look of a street sign as its nesting habits are discussed.
The creativity shown in both books is to be commended. The graphic elements are interesting, and children and adults will enjoy how they are tied so seamlessly into group names. On a bookshelf in the family room or as a coffee-table book in the living room, “A Drove of Bullocks” and “A Filth of Starlings” are a fine addition to anyone’s library.
