Book review: 'Animal Ark' is a fabulous collaboration of photography and poetry

When National Geographic Kids asked me to review a children's picture book written by Kwame Alexander, I jumped at the chance. I was brought to the attention of Alexander's amazing books almost a year ago when I reviewed, "Booked" for the Deseret News. Then I quickly checked out, "The Crossover" from my library because I couldn't get enough of such unique writing.

Image used with permission by Media Masters Publicity

But first, let me preface this review by saying that I am not a poetry lover. Sorry if that disappoints you, mom, but I've tried for years and I just cannot bring myself to grasp most poems.

But there's an exception to every rule. And last year my poetry-hatred found an exception in Alexander's words. This guy makes poetry cool and understandable.

Alexander doesn't disappoint in his latest book, "Animal Ark." Each page of this picture book has a short, yet powerful poem that's fun to read; and these words have greater depth because they are gracing amazing photographs.

Joel Sartore's photos of animals are exceptional and he's caught what can only be termed as personalities in each photo. I know, I know, do bugs and snakes have personalities? If they don't, then Sartore has done an exceptional job making readers think they do. From birds with attitudes to a curious jaguar, each photo is teeming with personality and is a delight to look at. But then, as a National Geographic photographer, it shouldn't be any wonder that he's put a whole new dimension on animal photography.

"Animal Ark" is a wonderful book with nothing offensive in it. This book can delight non-readers with its amazing photos, charm those in elementary with its short poems, and add a depth to the English language for adults.

Alexander is, among other things, a New York Times best-selling author who lives in Virginia. Sartore has won awards for his photographs and he lives in Nebraska with his family.