Books at Bedtime: Anno’s Animals

Having heard about Mitsumasa Anno’s books for children through Aline’s post and Marjorie’s post, I decided to check a few of them out of the library.  I was intrigued by Anno’s dedication to, and interest in math since my daughter from an early age, has liked things mathematical.  I took out Anno’s Mysterious Multiplying Jar by Mitsumasa and Masaichiro Anno (The Bodley Head, 1983) and also Anno’s Animals (Collins, 1977.)  The latter is probably less well known, being an old book, but my daughter and I really enjoyed it.   For one thing, it’s an easy ‘read’ as there’s no words in it!  Anno’s Animals is a picture book walk through the woods in which you must discover hidden animals (and the occasional human) in drawings of the forest.  It’s clever and quite enjoyable, especially in mid-winter when taking a real walk in the woods requires much fortitude, not to mention several layers of clothing!  For my daughter, for whom reading can be a bit of a chore, this book was a pleasant departure from the norm.  Sitting together on her bed, we pored over the pictures finding hidden squirrels and frogs in leafy canopies and in the bark of trees with much delight.   We’d flip the book sideways and upside down, cock our heads and adjust our vision, and voila, another interesting creature would appear.  This was a fun and refreshing way to encounter a book.   There are many Anno books to be found; hope you can discover some at your library to enjoy with your child!