Do Sheep Count Sheep?

Petra Bartikova was born in 1984 in Czechia. As a child, she would draw pictures and create her own magazines, which she would then hand around to her classmates. In her teenage years she would invent stories and send them to friends by mail. Although she wanted to become a photographer or a graphic designer, she studied Czech literature and spent several years working as a journalist. She travelled around the world where she discovered children’s books which she reviewed on her blog. Having become tired of journalism, she switched careers and now works as an editor and author of children’s books.Born in 1983, Katarina Macurova is an award-winning artist whose innovative work spans from graphics and illustration to 3D graphics. She studied at the Academy of Fine Arts and Design in Bratislava, Slovakia, and has won several prestigious awards, including the Communication Arts Award of Excellence in the USA. Hailing from Bratislava, Slovakia, she continues to push the boundaries of her artistry.

"Gr 1-3–In spread after spread, Barikova’s facts about animals and Macurova’s illustrations treat knowledge like gossip, using magazine-style layouts and clipped, expressive language. Speech bubbles from the animals in the scenes add humor, but under the introduction, “How Do Animals Sleep?” is serious information—a bat hangs upside down, a giraffe curls up like the letter C. Readers learn that creatures as small as ants dream, and in a page turn, learn more about sleeping gerbils in a cascade of facts. Will children realize that gerbils don’t actually settle down in an iron bedstead, or that the kangaroo sprawled on its back with a cool drink and something to read may be an exaggeration? This is a volume to browse and share, and to use for research only with backup resources available. The real point is that nonfiction is funny, especially in the hands of these humorous creators, who aren’t afraid to put the food of the koala (eucalyptus leaves) right next to a scene of a sleepwalking koala about to fall from a branch. VERDICT Tongue-in-cheek a lot of the time, this book conveys facts with a spoonful of joking and children will eat it up." —Kimberly Olson Fakih, School Library Journal"Unlike many nonfiction books, these seem designed more for personal perusal than for academic use, as they lack standard text features such as a table of contents, index, and so on. Readers won’t miss these details, though. Fans of animals, graphic novels, and fun facts are likely to thoroughly enjoy this series." —Booklist"While this is non-fiction, the illustrations show off a sly humor and expressive style that's much more engaging than a science book. Pick this up to learn a little about various animals and have some fun along the way." —Rachel Feeck, YA Books Central"This book stands as a delightful addition to the My First Books of Nature series, offering an educational and entertaining exploration of the intriguing world of animal slumber. With vibrant showcases of diverse sleeping habitats and positions, this book engages young minds, making learning about sleep variations both fun and informative. It ensures an immersive experience that sparks curiosity and fosters an early appreciation for the wonders of nature. A must-have for parents, caregivers, and educators seeking to introduce young readers to the fascinating realm of animal sleep, blending the magic of storytelling with educational value. I learned stuff from this adorable little book!" —Richard Derus, Blogger"This clever collection of titles is ideal for animal lovers of all ages. Each double page spread features an animal, surrounded by interesting and insightful information about their habitats, eating, and sleeping habits. Whimsical illustrations elevate the humor of the already comical narratives, making this an appealing choice for a wide variety of ages. An engaging and educational introduction to amazing animals." —Olivia the Librarian, IG

• GerbilsGiraffesKoalasHipposBatsKangaroosSealsFlamingosHedgehogsAlbatrossesAnts