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Animals in Pants: A Poetry Picture Book
Author Suzy Levinson and artists Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell present an irreverently illustrated picture book of simple and silly poems featuring all kinds of animals wearing all kinds of pants.
What? You’ve never seen animals in pants? A dog in yoga pants, a goat in overalls, a yak in slacks?
Animals in Pants presents a parade of impeccable poems about animals wearing perfectly pressed pants.
What? You’ve never seen animals in pants? A dog in yoga pants, a goat in overalls, a yak in slacks?
Animals in Pants presents a parade of impeccable poems about animals wearing perfectly pressed pants.
32 pages, Hardcover
Published April 11, 2023
119 people want to read
About the author
Suzy Levinson
2Ìýbooks27ÌýfollowersSuzy Levinson is a children’s author and poet whose work has been featured in numerous anthologies and magazines. ANIMALS IN PANTS (Abrams) is her debut picture book–length poetry collection. Her next, DINOS THAT DRIVE (Tundra Books), will hit shelves in 2025. She lives in New York.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
November 11, 2023
A cleverly illustrated children’s book with a sense of humor. This book actually is a variety of poems about different animals wearing their preferred style of pants.
The poems are a joy to read aloud with a pleasing rhyming meter, filled with humor and silliness that will be fun for young readers.
My favorite�
“Downward Dog
Placid pooch in yoga pants lays her mat upon the floor.
Standing.
Bending.
Sitting.
Stretching.
Curling.
Rolling.
Resting.
³§²Ô´Ç°ù±ð.â€�
That about describes my dogs and I (except the pants) while I am doing yoga!
Interest Level: Ages 5-9
The poems are a joy to read aloud with a pleasing rhyming meter, filled with humor and silliness that will be fun for young readers.
My favorite�
“Downward Dog
Placid pooch in yoga pants lays her mat upon the floor.
Standing.
Bending.
Sitting.
Stretching.
Curling.
Rolling.
Resting.
³§²Ô´Ç°ù±ð.â€�
That about describes my dogs and I (except the pants) while I am doing yoga!
Interest Level: Ages 5-9
April 12, 2023
Just the title makes my students (and me) giggle, and these fun poems are a wonderful way to celebrate Poetry Month with them. From wiener dogs in yoga pants to kangaroos wearing Elvis-inspired jumpsuits (because they're King-aroos, lol!), readers will encounter a variety of styles of poetry about a variety of types of animals, and every poem is sure to cause smiles and giggles. This is Suzy Levinson's debut book, and I know there will be more...the back of this book even hints at a possible upcoming book that I HOPE will happen! Kristen ad Kevin Howdeshell's fun artwork is the perfect pairing for Suzy's lively text. This book is highly recommended for classrooms, homes, and libraries everywhere!
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February 16, 2024This year’s for Poetry Collection goes to � Animals in Pants by ! Congratulations!
Suzy Levinson’s imaginative debut picture book poetry collection Animals in Pants invites readers of all ages to consider why various animals might wear pants and what kinds of pants would best fit their situations. Flamingos in capris, dachshunds in yoga pants, and a goat in overalls seem like silly fun, but snakes, giraffes, and spiders present special challenges, don’t they? Levinson’s whimsical verse relies heavily on rhyme, but it isn’t repetitive because the cadences vary from page to page. The short poems are enhanced by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell’s Eric Carle-style artwork showing animals expressing a variety of attitudes and emotions. Animals in Pants is a worthwhile choice for home and school bookshelves. (Pre-reading might include listing as many kinds of pants as possible.) This book is an excellent read-aloud that will delight parents and teachers with cultural references that the youngest readers might need help with, including Elvis, disco, Punxutawney, and “fashion police.� While the clever verse and appealing illustrations are the surface features of Animals in Pants, the content of this picture book actually provides critical thinking opportunities galore.
December 5, 2022
Your kids will probably make you read ANIMALS IN PANTS over and over, but that’s okay because you’re going to love it, too! Every poem in this fantastic collection is funny, and the illustrations are equally hilarious. The poetry is pitch perfect, and the brevity of each poem makes the poetry easily accessible to younger children, though older kids will enjoy it too. The pants for each animal are perfectly matched to the animal’s characteristics; my family particularly enjoyed the squirrel’s tracksuit, laughed out loud at the spider’s pants, and sympathized with the giraffe’s pants plight. Without even realizing they’re learning, children will pick up on the elements of poetry while also learning about a variety of animals, not to mention acquiring the names of more types of pants than anyone knew existed! (You might be tempted to run out and buy yourself a new pair after reading this book.) ANIMALS IN PANTS would make a great addition to a classroom’s poetry unit, and I predict that readers will memorize their favorite poems to share with friends. The end of the book sets us up for a sequel, and I can’t wait to read it!
January 3, 2023
How to resist a title like this? Impossible. And ANIMALS IN PANTS (a picture book but also a treasury of 23 poems) does NOT disappoint. Levinson's witty rhymes are perfectly paired with Howdeshells' animals (all of whom are sporting pants plus plenty of attitude). Kids will be tickled to discover each new creature's profile, from racoons in pantaloons to yaks in slacks. As the pages turn, the poems get quirkier and more creative. Not a boring poem in the bunch! In this teacher's opinion, this book is a fabulous way to get kids excited (and inspired) over poetry.
February 16, 2023
This hilarious, charming poetry collection had me at the pooch doing downward dog in yoga pants and kept me laughing through goats eating overalls, manatees having trouble with their shrinking dungarees, and unfashionable porcupines in unitards. Witty text and illustrations complement one another beautifully. Any kid who thinks they don't like poetry will think again after reading this book!
April 8, 2023
Funny and silly but also very clever! A super fun read. And the illustrations are a perfect compliment to the poems.
September 12, 2023
Fun, silly and clever poems about animals in pants!
January 21, 2024
This poetry collection offers many takes on an absurd premise- what if animals wear pants? Or other clothing. The delightful concept invites close consideration of the text (outstanding poems in a variety of formats by the very talented poet, Suzy Levinson) and examination of the colorful and interpretive illustrations in each case. The forms range from haiku to limericks to parodies of song lyrics to Shakespeare and many more, mostly offering rhyme but ALWAYS presenting suitable and superb language.
In each case the selection of animal subject and poetry form is intentional and well-suited (pardon that pun). Each also reveals solid information about the subject animal-as with the squirrel, whose darting, sprinting, climbing habits merit0 what else- a track suit!
Get this one into the hands of young readers, and prepare yourself to laugh along!
In each case the selection of animal subject and poetry form is intentional and well-suited (pardon that pun). Each also reveals solid information about the subject animal-as with the squirrel, whose darting, sprinting, climbing habits merit0 what else- a track suit!
Get this one into the hands of young readers, and prepare yourself to laugh along!
May 3, 2023
First sentence: Cat-Itude
This cat wears pants.
They're custom-made
in tiger-striped velour.
You can't ignore
a cat in pants.
That's what he wears them for.
Premise/plot: This one is a collection of poems celebrating ANIMALS IN PANTS. Each poem is illustrated. Each one features an animal in pants. Plenty of animals, plenty of pants, so many rhymes.
My thoughts: What you see is what you get. No tricks here. I will say that I wasn't personally 100% sold on the rhythm of the rhyming poems. (Some work better than others). But overall, this silly poetry book was enjoyable. I definitely had a couple of favorite poems, including the first poem, "Cat-Itude."
This cat wears pants.
They're custom-made
in tiger-striped velour.
You can't ignore
a cat in pants.
That's what he wears them for.
Premise/plot: This one is a collection of poems celebrating ANIMALS IN PANTS. Each poem is illustrated. Each one features an animal in pants. Plenty of animals, plenty of pants, so many rhymes.
My thoughts: What you see is what you get. No tricks here. I will say that I wasn't personally 100% sold on the rhythm of the rhyming poems. (Some work better than others). But overall, this silly poetry book was enjoyable. I definitely had a couple of favorite poems, including the first poem, "Cat-Itude."
December 4, 2022
Did you ever think about why monkeys prefer cargo pants? Or why giraffes have to wear kilts? Or wonder how long it takes for a spider to slip into a pair of pants? You'll find all these questions answered (and more!) in this hilarious collection of short and silly poems by Suzy Levinson. The artwork by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell elevate the poems to a whole other level - one that both enhances the hilarity AND somehow adds a level of sophistication. An awesomely fun addition to any bookshelf.
December 19, 2022
If you've ever wondered what turtles wear under their shells (and who among us hasn't) then this charming book is for you! Spoiler alert: "Underpants are what is under." With pitch-perfect rhymes and rhythm, and kid-pleasing humor these poems will enchant young listeners and readers. Consider one of my favorites, entitled PUNXSUTAWNEY PANTS:
Far below a barren field that's looking fairly frozen,
groundhogs dance the polka in their cozy lederhosen.
Captivating illustrations add to the fun. A must-read for young poetry lovers and future poetry fans!
Far below a barren field that's looking fairly frozen,
groundhogs dance the polka in their cozy lederhosen.
Captivating illustrations add to the fun. A must-read for young poetry lovers and future poetry fans!
December 22, 2022
This clever and imaginative collection had me giggling from poem to poem. Animals in pants? Why not! Each animal is perfectly paired with covered bottoms and will inspire children to write their own poetry. Levinson's playful rhyming text and delightful wordplay begs to be read again and again. Even more delightful, each poem is masterfully told in few words. With gorgeous art and plenty of surprises, Animals in Pants is perfect for home and classroom libraries and would make an especially wonderful addition to any poetry unit.
December 25, 2022
This book makes me SO happy! Quirky and clever poems about animals wearing pants, with equally as wonderful art—right up my alley. I laughed out loud over and over while reading Levinson's poems about the joys and frustrations of this menagerie of creatures, and happiness is something that will keep me coming back to this poetry collections over and over. You can also tell that the Howdeshell's had so much delight in bringing the poems to life, the art is delightful and rich. Join me in the fun that this book brings!
June 13, 2023
Be ready to laugh out loud, from every page, filled with most imaginative 'animals in pants'. What Suzy Levinson, in brief, and hilarious poems, does in her book made me want to share and then find other animals that could also be dressed in such appropriate attire - ha! Want to see who wears yoga pants (during downward dog) or overalls (but they get eaten) and also that crazy attire worn in Florida (see those pedal pushers)? If you want a laugh, with illuminating collages by Kristen and Kevin Howdesshell, find this wonderful poetry book so you can "wear" a big smile!
September 5, 2023
When I first saw this book I saw how silly it was and prepared myself for a quick read. I didn't expect how much fun the poems would be, or how creative the ideas. I found myself re-reading some of the poems and taking my time to enjoy every page. This was just unexpected fun, and a great way to just enjoy something creative and funny with your child.
If I was still homeschooling young children I think this book would make an awesome jumping off spot for some art or writing activities. So much fun! :)
If I was still homeschooling young children I think this book would make an awesome jumping off spot for some art or writing activities. So much fun! :)
September 18, 2023
These creative, original, and funny poems are delightful to read. Each one is short but packs a lot of humor into a few words. Perhaps my favorite (although very hard to choose):
Spider Pants
Before every waterspout climb,
spiders put pants on one leg at a...
leg at a... leg at a... leg at a...
leg at a... leg at a... leg at a...
leg at a time.
So simple, yet so funny, and just perfect! The colorful illustrations and animals' expressive faces help readers visualize the humorous situations. I could imagine students writing their own 'animals in pants' poems, inspired by this collection.
Spider Pants
Before every waterspout climb,
spiders put pants on one leg at a...
leg at a... leg at a... leg at a...
leg at a... leg at a... leg at a...
leg at a time.
So simple, yet so funny, and just perfect! The colorful illustrations and animals' expressive faces help readers visualize the humorous situations. I could imagine students writing their own 'animals in pants' poems, inspired by this collection.
April 19, 2025
Animals in Pants by Suzy Levinson and Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell is a lovely collection of poems that are a delight to read out loud. They are silly and clever and will hold any young person’s attention. All the poems are about different animals and the different pants they wear. Yes, that is really it, and the poems were a blast to read. Deer and antelope wear sweats and flamingo wear pink capris. The book is silly and fun and filled with warm, engaging illustrations. We had a delightful time reading this collection of poems.
November 17, 2022
ANIMALS IN PANTS is a whimsical collection of poems bursting with chickens in bell-bottoms, deer in sweets, yaks in slacks, and assorted other pants-wearing creatures. Suzy Levinson’s rhyme and meter is spot on with clever word choices, while Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell’s playful illustrations elicit smiles on every page. It was hard to choose favorite poems, but Downward Dog, Punxsutawney Pants and Fashion Police especially stood out to me.
I accessed a digital ARC from the author.
I accessed a digital ARC from the author.
December 23, 2022
Ok folks, this book is FUNNY! Yaks in slacks, raccoons in pantaloons, this is the poetry collection you didn't know you needed. Levinson's impeccable rhymes paired with the Howdeshell's delightful illustrations make for a joyful read for all ages. This is a very clever introduction to poetry wrapped in a fun and silly package/lederhosen. (And I LOVE how the ending leaves me wanting more...maybe a sequel? Pretty please?)
December 28, 2022
Animals in Pants is a fun book that couples clever poems about animals in pants with colorful pictures. My kids love books with humor and I think they'll find Animals in Pants hilarious. I laughed out loud several times while reading this book. I liked the variety of pants worn by the animals, including pantaloons, lederhosen, and dungarees. In addition to being a fun read, I can see this book being used to introduce new vocabulary and different types of dress.
April 20, 2023
This book is laugh-out-loud funny for all ages. Levinson's short poems in perfect rhyme and rhythm charge the imagination. In "Penguin Suits," for example, penguins want to doff their tuxes for less formal garb, and in "Undercover," we find out what lies under the turtle's shell. You'll want to know why giraffes don't wear pants, and what they wear instead. Illustrations by Kristen & Kevin Howdeshell add to the fun. I received this book from the author in an online giveaway.
March 8, 2024
I loved this book! The poems inside are silly and simple, and the illustrations are quirky and colorful! Choosing a favorite is tough...probably a toss-up between the deer and antelope in sweats and the groundhogs wearing lederhosen!
Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
Find it in our SHARE Catalog today!
Jayme A. / Milton Public Library #CheckOutMPL
January 31, 2025
Cute poems about animals in pants and why they may choose a certain style. Example, squirrels like track suits so they can run. Giraffes wear kilts as their legs are too thin, etc.
The poems are funny and cute and the animals are cute as well. Snakes wear a sock with a belt.
The artwork is cute and funny. There is plenty of color for kids and the animals will be a good laugh.
Kids will enjoy this story.
The poems are funny and cute and the animals are cute as well. Snakes wear a sock with a belt.
The artwork is cute and funny. There is plenty of color for kids and the animals will be a good laugh.
Kids will enjoy this story.
December 14, 2022
This picture book will make little ones giggle from the cover to the final page. The rhyming text and vibrant illustrations are packed with humor. Every character in ANIMALS IN PANTS by Suzy Levinson and Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell could star in their own story. A perfect choice for group storytime!
May 16, 2023
This is the cleverest children's poetry collection I've read in a while. (And I read a LOT of poetry collections!) Racoons in pantaloons. Manatees in Dungarees. Giraffes in kilts. Suzy Levinson's book had me in stitches. And such a fun variety of poetry forms too! This ones going on my poetry collection shelf!
November 13, 2023
A joyful and cheeky characterisation of animals through their pants. Howdeshell and Howdeshell's illustrations are 5* and bring to life the pattern, movement, and rhythm of Levinson's words. Children will enjoy the multitude of animals in humorous situations and colourful outfits, and caregivers alike will enjoy the rhythm and rhyme.
February 27, 2024
What a super fun pleasure to read, all about pants birds and animals need. Picture the fit, picture the flare, of various pants birds and animals wear.
Not quite up to the snuff of this delightful book but you get the gist. Great poems and inventive and entertaining illustrations by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell. Wonderful!
Not quite up to the snuff of this delightful book but you get the gist. Great poems and inventive and entertaining illustrations by Kristen and Kevin Howdeshell. Wonderful!
March 27, 2024
Stylizing illustrations paired with very small font. That said, would be fun to share a few as part of a kid's poetry program or storytime for littles.
My favorite poems in this collection are:
Take Heed
Yak Facts
On the Range
Spider Pants
Spottish (about giraffes wearing kilts)
Themes: animals, poetry
Ages:
Pub year: 2023
My favorite poems in this collection are:
Take Heed
Yak Facts
On the Range
Spider Pants
Spottish (about giraffes wearing kilts)
Themes: animals, poetry
Ages:
Pub year: 2023
April 25, 2024
I can't keep this delightful and clever collection of poems about animals in pants on the library shelf. My students can't get enough of Suzy Levinson's humor and each poem is a joy to read aloud. The Howdeshell's vibrant art adds to the hilarious fun. Perfect for National Poetry Month...and every month!
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