The big idea of the children’s informational book, Sponges, is to simply inform its readers about sponges. The illustrations, writing, and the fact that it is non-fiction, are all reasons I really enjoyed the book.

The illustrations in the book are all real photographs of different species of sponges in the deep blue sea. The pictures, in my opinion, are the most engaging parts within the book. The photographs show a variety of sponges: some that “…look like tubes, fans, vases, cups, or barrels,” “…yellow, purple, orange, gray, [and] brown” sponges,” and …some that “are as small as a tip of a pencil… and bigger than a person.” My most favorite photograph in the book is a picture of a several sponge species in one giant cluster, and all different shapes, sizes and colors. In the picture, there are also beautiful fish swimming around the sponges. The photographs really make this book meaningful.

I also enjoyed the writing in this book; it is clear, engaging, and organized. The book is an informational read, thus, it is presented in an organized matter. It starts out by introducing sponges and what they are. Next, it talks about the size, shape, and color in which sponges can be. Following that, the topics include: where they live, and what they eat. I really enjoyed reading one page in particular. It reads: “Some sponges stick to the shells of snails, crabs, and other animals. These sponges go places!” I found this to be rather funny and interesting all at the same time because it mentioned on a previous page that sponges typically “stay in one place all their lives.” This example also supports why I believe this book is engaging. It presents some humor and great facts!

Non-fiction books are such great reads. They are informative and can be engaging if organized properly. The illustrations and the writing of this non-fictional children’s book most definitely make it a great read! ( )