Time to Shine
Celebrating the World’s Iridescent Animals
Let yourself be dazzled by creatures around the world in this brilliant nonfiction picture book about iridescence.
Have you ever noticed the rainbow-like shimmer on certain bird feathers, insect bodies and animal scales? This effect, called iridescence, changes depending on the angle from which its viewed, and animals across the globe use the effect to both blend in and stand out.
In playful rhyming couplets, Time to Shine takes a closer look at these creatures and their sparkly “clothes,” from the mallard duck’s shining green flying “cap,” which allows the birds to coordinate flight movements, to the reed frog’s heat reflecting “vest,” to the hummingbird’s sequinned “costume,” which helps to attract a mate. A secondary level of prose text on each spread gives further context for each animal’s particular environment and adaptation.
Light seems to dance off of the book's vibrant pages, with illustrations that bring us up close and personal with animals both exotic and familiar to young readers. An author’s note provides additional information about the science of iridescence.
Key Text Features
author's note
bibliography
definitions
explanation
facts
further information
illustrations
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.5
Explain major differences between books that tell stories and books that give information, drawing on a wide reading of a range of text types.
Let yourself be dazzled by creatures around the world in this brilliant nonfiction picture book about iridescence.
Have you ever noticed the rainbow-like shimmer on certain bird feathers, insect bodies and animal scales? This effect, called iridescence, changes depending on the angle from which its viewed, and animals across the globe use the effect to both blend in and stand out.
In playful rhyming couplets, Time to Shine takes a closer look at these creatures and their sparkly “clothes,” from the mallard duck’s shining green flying “cap,” which allows the birds to coordinate flight movements, to the reed frog’s heat reflecting “vest,” to the hummingbird’s sequinned “costume,” which helps to attract a mate. A secondary level of prose text on each spread gives further context for each animal’s particular environment and adaptation.
Light seems to dance off of the book's vibrant pages, with illustrations that bring us up close and personal with animals both exotic and familiar to young readers. An author’s note provides additional information about the science of iridescence.
Key Text Features
author's note
bibliography
definitions
explanation
facts
further information
illustrations
Correlates to the Common Core State Standards in English Language Arts:
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.5
Explain major differences between books that tell stories and books that give information, drawing on a wide reading of a range of text types.
| Published By | Groundwood Books Ltd — May 1, 2022 |
| Specifications | 32 pages | 8.75 in x 10 in |
| Keywords | environment; animal adaptations; habitats; ecosystems; nonfiction for kids; rhyming poetry; rainbow fish; david attenborough; life in color; gift; primary science education; camouflage; kindergarten; reproduction; authors note; bibliography; definitions; explanation; |
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Supporting Resources
(select item to download) |
Teacher's Guide |
| Written By |
KAREN JAMESON is a children’s author, a poet and a literacy advocate whose lyrical picture books include Moon Babies, illustrated by Amy Hevron; Woodland Dreams, illustrated by Marc Boutavant; and Farm Lullaby, illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan. Karen is a former classroom teacher and an active member of SCBWI. She lives and works in sunny Southern California. |
| Illustrated by |
DAVE MURRAY is a digital illustrator known for his graphic, highly stylized work. His growing list of clients include the NHL, Canada Post, Air BnB. When he’s not in his Toronto studio, Dave can be found cycling, playing hockey, walking his dog and cheering for the Montreal Canadiens. |
| Written By |
|
KAREN JAMESON is a children’s author, a poet and a literacy advocate whose lyrical picture books include Moon Babies, illustrated by Amy Hevron; Woodland Dreams, illustrated by Marc Boutavant; and Farm Lullaby, illustrated by Wednesday Kirwan. Karen is a former classroom teacher and an active member of SCBWI. She lives and works in sunny Southern California. |
| Illustrated by |
|
DAVE MURRAY is a digital illustrator known for his graphic, highly stylized work. His growing list of clients include the NHL, Canada Post, Air BnB. When he’s not in his Toronto studio, Dave can be found cycling, playing hockey, walking his dog and cheering for the Montreal Canadiens. |
| Audience | ages 3 to 6 / grades P to 1 |
| Key Text Features | author's note; bibliography; definitions; explanation; facts; further information; illustrations |
| Common Core | CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.1.5 |
A fun nonfiction picture book about animals and their unique features that can be enjoyed by all.
” —Kirkus ReviewsYou’ll be dazzled by the flash of feathers, scales, shells and skin … a most appealing addition to STEAM resources.
” —CM: Canadian Review of Materials