Elephant Bowling and Other Animal Play (Animals Do What!?) by Richard Haynes, Stephanie Laberis
on August 26, 2025
ISBN: 1536230901
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Source: MSL Book Review
Goodreads

Using a playful, conversational tone Haynes compares the way animals play in the wild to the games humans play (hide-and-seek, keep-away, etc.)  in this picture book full of  interesting, lesser- known facts about creatures we may think we know fairly well.

Haynes arranges the text by the purpose of the “games” (Part I focuses on activities that hone survival skills), then breaks those activities into games readers will easily recognize, such as King of the Hill and Tug-of-War. For each game, Hayne shares descriptive narratives for different animal species that play versions of that game. Who knew that so many kinds of animals (polar bears, ravens, and river otters) enjoy sledding?  The descriptions also include lots of quantitative data (i.e.  patas monkeys  can reach speeds of 33 mph in three seconds) that will appeal to fact collectors. The conveyance of information feels casual but is supported by research.

The cute, cartoonish (all animals appear to be smiling)  illustrations carry that same sense of fun. The anthropomorphic illustrations may cause a bit of a disconnect for readers expecting. more realistic illustrations (or photos) in their nonfiction texts. For others, the smiling animals will make it that much more engaging.

This may appeal to middle grade students looking for interesting nonfiction books about animals. Teachers looking to compare different kinds of nonfiction may find it useful for the many nonfiction features it contains: illustrated world map; table of contents; glossary;  bibliography; index, headings and subheadings). A small quibble: there are many interesting words in the glossary readers will want to learn but those words are not bolded in the text, making it difficult to see the words in context.

Recommended for purchase for public libraries and elementary school libraries.

Deanna Contrino, SLMS
K-2 Resource Librarian, Scarborough Schools