Nooo, never been so disappointed by a picture book. The art has so much potential and it's really up my alley. The whole two templates mixed from one page to another gets old very fast and honestly I wished the illustrator tried to just place the animals together in a flowy way like in the first template and just scrap the second template all together.

But my biggest complaint is the poetry... maybe it's the translation, I do not know, I obviously read the English translated version. Nonetheless, the poems were not really poems, but just a bit of text. I think for picture books especially free verse should not be the go to - especially if it also lacks rhythm. It did not evoke the animal representing. I wanted each poem to match the animal, but this way it was just a word here and there...

Book Review: Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise - Poems of Animal Opposites by Bette Westera, David Colmer (translator), and Mies van Hout (illustrator)

Rating: 5 Stars

I recently had the pleasure of reviewing Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise: Poems of Animal Opposites by Bette Westera, beautifully illustrated by Mies van Hout, and I was absolutely captivated! This delightful collection of poetry is like a playful dance through the animal kingdom, contrasting creatures in such a whimsical way that it left me smiling from ear to ear.

The book presents a unique approach to learning about antonyms through the lens of the animal world. Each spread features two animals that embody opposing traits—think speedy cheetahs versus sluggish tortoises or tidy pigs against messy warthogs. As you flip through the pages, you meet an array of characters that not only entertain but also spark curiosity about their distinct personalities. It's an engaging way to explore the concept of opposites while getting to know some fascinating critters!

The illustrations in this book are honestly just stunning. Mies van Hout's vibrant artwork brings each animal to life, making them leap off the pages. The colors are bold and inviting, perfectly complementing the playful tone of Bette Westera's poetry. The combination of words and visuals creates a captivating experience for readers of all ages.

What I love most about this book is that it doesn't just teach antonyms; it does so in a fun and imaginative way. The poems are playful and engaging, providing a delightful rhythm that makes reading aloud a joy. I found myself chuckling at the antics of the animals—are you more like an obedient sheep or a rebellious goat? What a fun way to get kids thinking about their own personalities!

Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise is an adorably illustrated and educational book that I can't recommend enough. It's perfect for young readers who are just beginning to explore vocabulary and animal traits. Each page turn offers not just a new set of faces but also another opportunity to laugh and learn. If you're looking for a charming addition to your child's bookshelf or simply want to indulge in some whimsical poetry, this book is an absolute must-read!

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️

Overall, this is a cute book that uses the traits of different animals to present how antonyms work. If used in a storytime setting, I can absolutely see its success depending on how engaging/fun the reader is. (Also be aware if you're preparing to read this aloud, the poems aren't rhythmic.)

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for providing me with a free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Oh dear. Really unappealing artwork, and 'poems' that are supposed to be in the first person speech of various animals, combine to make for a very joyless discovery. This will teach about antonyms – words paired with their opposites – as each left-hand page has a critter diametrically opposite its, well, opposite. A noisy cricket faces a quiet pillbug, a dangerous snake stares down a harmless earthworm, etc. But the verse is a severe let-down, having (in the translation I saw at least) an unappealing blank verse approach, and none of the character of the critter concerned. The busy ants should sound breathless and exuberant, the dignified sperm whale should have a languid feel, the restless blowfly should try and make the reader feel giddy – but none of this happens.

For no, the texts are too short, too lacking in character, and just neither here nor there. Some of them just don't show any reason for the adjective in the first place – that whale's dignity quite absent in a snappy discussion of what it eats and how. If you really can't come up with a lesson about antonyms yourself then think about this, but also think about quitting teaching. I didn't see any pleasure on these unfortunate pages, it pains me to say. One and a half stars.

Thank you, Eardmans Publishing for Young Readers, for the ARC.

The book is such a fun way to learn about some of the adjectives we use often to describe certain situations and in the context, animals!

The illustration is quite simple and interesting. Like the fun playful writing. However, I feel the target audience and the adult reading this book will have issues with the font and the font style.

I loved the poetry throughout this story. This can be used for grades 1-3 with many different aspects. Students can work on Writing their own animal poem or discuss similarities and differences of the animals.

I did not get far into this book with my kids. They lost interest quickly. It may helo to incorporate rhyming to at least entertain them or make the illustrations more engaging

This book has a great concept, but my kids didn't respond to it much.
The poems were not their favourites, unfortunately.
the illustrations are beautiful!

Fast Cheetah, Slow Tortoise is a fun book filled with poems about animals that have opposite character traits. The illustrations are colorful and engaging.

I received an arc of this title from NetGalley for an honest review. These quick little poems are about different kinds of animals that are often opposite of one another. Lovely illustrations too.

A book comparing and contrasting opposites or different creatures and attributes. Similar creatures are compared and their opposing attributes in this more advanced opposites book where readers can consider differences between two things in each spread through the poetry and the imagery.

The book was beautifully written. The illustrations are beautiful and keep the eye moving. Overall, the book was well written and I did really enjoy it.

I really related to the tortoise.. I too like to take my time. These illustrations are beautiful. This book was a fun read. It was a fun way to learn about opposites. Most opposite books I read to my kids are simple, like big and small. I like that this book goes deeper than that. Neat and Tidy were my son’s favorites. I had to read that once twice. He loved it. I liked Strong and delicate as well as Fancy and Everyday. I really like finding books that introduce new words to my son and this is one of those books. This is a must buy for our bookshelf.

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this storybook!

What an absolutely delightful books for toddlers! My daughter is going to love this. She adores all things animals, and the illustrations are beautiful. I love that this teaches opposites and little facts about animals. I pre-ordered this book. Can't wait to read it with my daughter. 5 stars!

This book should be read to ever elementary and preschool student. My four kids love this book, and as a past preschool teacher, the message it sent was fantastic! Highly recommend. Well done!

It goes without saying that the illustrations are adorable, but when I saw how well they depicted each antonym pair. If I would have been introduced to poetry in a format like this, I don't think I would have shied away from it for so long.

I will be purchasing this book when my son is old enough it will be helpful for him (right now he's still learning how to talk in general). I haven't seen a better example of antonyms "in action", so to speak.

{Thank you bunches to NetGalley, Bette Westera and Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company for the eARC in exchange for my honest review!}

This was an unexpected read! In the world of Children's Lit I'd like to see more poetry, unexpected prose. This book has that! Beautiful illustrations, wonderful juxtapositions between things like fast and slow. Would be a lovely addition to any classroom or child's library!