Genre 4 - Nonfiction: Hottest, Coldest, Highest, Deepest

1. Bibliography
Jenkins, Steve. 1998. Hottest, coldest, highest, deepest. Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. ISBN 9780395899991

2. Plot Summary
In this informative book, Jenkins uncovers some of the world's highest mountains, deepest oceans, coldest locations, most active volcanoes, and much more. In addition, he illustrates his work with unique cut paper collages that may surprise some readers who may have been expecting photographs. Each fact or land form is granted a two-page collage with smaller insets that help the reader put things into perspective by comparing them to objects such as the Empire State Building or an average human man. On the last page is world map with numbers showing each location written about in the book. A bibliography is also included in the front of the book.

3. Analysis
Jenkins's use of collage to illustrate a nonfiction book is a welcomed medium where one might otherwise expect to see a photograph. The collages of each geographical location contain bright colors and enjoyable depictions of animals, ocean waves, rainfall, deserts, and more. The information given is astounding to say the least. More than once I caught myself saying, "Wow, I didn't know that!" For example, I had absolutely no idea that the oldest and deepest lake is Lake Baikal in Russia. It is over 5,000 feet deep in places. Jenkins also adds a bit of trivia about the Great Lakes, sharing that Lake Superior is the largest in square miles, but not the deepest.
Children will be amazed at the information exposed in this book and delighted by the unique illustrations. This book would be a wonderful addition to any math or geography class, and could also be used as inspiration for an art project.

The small insets comparing the geographical facts described to a more common object will really help children put the enormity of the subject matter into proportion. Children may not be able to visualize 462 inches of rain falling in Tutunendo, Colombia per year. However, when visually compared to a 72 inch average man and 36 inch average rainfall in Chicago, children can really appreciate the magnitude of 462 inches of rain per year.

4. Review Excerpts
Booklist - "Highly effective visual education for the classroom or for young browsers intrigued by superlatives."

School Library Journal - "Browsers will pick up this delightful picture book and read it through completely. This eye-catching introduction to geography will find a lot of use in libraries and classrooms."

5. Connections
*Students can create math word problems for each other to solve such as: How much deeper is the Marianas Trench than Lake Baikal?
*Students can research on the Internet to find actual photographs of some of the locations explored in the book.
*Students can create their own paper collage depicting a land form in their own city.