Holiday Ideas We Love: 'Curious Critters' Book for Animal Lovers

12/02/2011

This year’s holiday gift guide gave you all some great ideas for gifts for pets, pet lovers and more.
But what about gifts for those little kids (or kids at heart) who just love animals?

We suggest you check out the beautiful new picture book “Curious Critters,” which was written and photographed by David FitzSimmons.

[See More Curious Critters in Our Photo Gallery!]

The book features 21 critters, from a beautiful butterfly to a crabby crayfish, shot against a stark, white background. The simple nature of it all will really allow kids to see each animal’s detail, true colors, textures and personality. There isn’t a storyline through the book, but each animal tells its own story through short vignettes, which were inspired during each animal’s individual photo shoot.

From snakes to beetles, insects to owls and other mammals, your child will be able to see, up close and personal, a variety of animals and their habits (and a cute interpretation of their personality).

And not only is the book funny, charming and beautifully shot, it also meets the National Research Council’s life science standards for grades K-4. So you know that your child will be learning accurate information while flipping through this gorgeous book time and time again. Additionally, the book also has natural history information for each critter and a two-page spread of life-size silhouettes.

Find out more about the book and where to purchase it here. To learn more about author David FitzSimmons, a university professor and award-winning freelance photographer, check out his Web site here and check out more photos featured in the book in our own Animal Planet photo gallery.