Summertime Sleepers: Animals that Estivate

 Steward, Melissa and illustrator Brannen, Sarah S. Summertime Sleepers: Animals that Estivate Abrams Books for Young Readers, 2021. Ages 6-9.



This list book is written by Melissa Steward and Illustrated by Sarah S. Brannen focuses on teaching young readers about the animal behavior called Estivation. Guided by her own interest, Steward explains, “On a hot June day in 2011, I stumbled upon a 250-page tome about an animal behavior I’d never heard of –estivation. And that made me curious” (Authors note 36). Estivation is when summer animals take a summertime sleep, very similar to hibernation. The author and illustrator provide the readers with an overview of this behavior and showcase about a dozen animals who partake in this behavior.  

This nonfiction picture book uses a two-page spread to showcase each animal in two ways, one sleeping in watercolor and another in black and white that resembles an entry you might find in a scientific journal. Brannen explains, “My main illustrations reveal how and where each animal estivates. At the same time, the overlaid sketchbook pages include further visual details about each animal when it is awake. As a bonus, the sketchbook pages leave room for Melissa to share more of her research” (Illustrators Note 36). The collaboration between the author and illustrator makes this work very engaging and has the potential to spark the scientific interest of young readers.  

While the picture book only goes so far in scope, it also includes additional sources providing more information about the animals showcased, compares hibernation vs estivation, and provides additional resources for curious young readers. The additional sources show the extra steps taken by both the author and illustrator to make the material accessible to young readers. This nonfiction work belongs in any school library to help with science lessons and research. This work could also be given to readers that like animals or science. It is a well-illustrated, engaging work that makes science and animal behavior accessible to young readers.  

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