Exploring Mentor Texts: Steve Jenkins Style

Today I read two non-fiction picture books created by the late Steve Jenkins. One written with his wife Robin Page and the other written by Sneed B. Collard III, illustrated by Steve.

Picture Book: ANIMAL DADS
Author: Sneed B. Collard III
Illustrator: Steve Jenkins

Picture Book: WHY DO ELEPHANTS HAVE BIG EARS?
Author/Illus.: Steve Jenkins/Robin Page

I loved them both so much for several similar reasons!

Things I loved about these books:

• They both use a similar format. Each page/spread starts with a simple statement or question. In ANIMAL DADS, each statement tells the reader one thing dads do like, "They build us homes to live in." In WHY DO ELEPHANTS HAVE BIG EARS?, each question is one many readers have probably had like, "Why do flamingos stand on one leg?"
• The rest of the information explains how, or answers the question using 4-6 simple fact-filled sentences.
• In both books there is an abundance of alliteration and other devices that make the facts interesting.
• I have always believed that children should be exposed to advanced vocabulary with proper scaffolding/context clues. WHY DO ELEPHANTS HAVE BIG EARS? does a fantastic job using rich language.
• The illustrations in both books are just glorious! Sparse backgrounds with huge, colorful collage-style animals make up each spread.

​Some of my favorite lines:
Here are some of the examples of the rich vocabulary I noticed.

• "...no energy is expended."
• "...accumulate fat."
• "The hippopotamus is territorial."
• "...inhabit underground burrows."
• "...where no light penetrates."
• "The sudden appearance of two bright red orbs can startle the predator..."

Just after reading these books, I was made aware of this awesome post Robin Page has on her website which shows her creative process. Make sure you check it out! Do you have any favorite Steve Jenkins and/or Robin Page picture books? I'd love to hear about them!