Powerful ideas from top nonfiction
Try Blinkist to get the key ideas from 7,500+ bestselling nonfiction titles and podcasts. Listen or read in just 15 minutes.
Get started for free
Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Actual Size summary
Brief summary
Actual Size by Steve Jenkins is a captivating non-fiction book that showcases the true size of various animals and insects through stunning illustrations. It provides a unique perspective on the natural world and is perfect for curious minds of all ages.
Topics
Table of Contents
Actual Size
Summary of key ideas
Exploring the World of Animals in Actual Size
In Actual Size by Steve Jenkins, the author takes us on a fascinating journey through the animal kingdom, presenting creatures in their actual, true-to-life sizes. The book starts with a tiny flea, the smallest animal featured, and gradually moves up the size scale to the colossal blue whale. Jenkins' intricate paper collage illustrations provide an accurate portrayal of each animal's scale, allowing readers to grasp the creatures' true dimensions.
As we progress through the book, we encounter a variety of animals, each accompanied by a brief description of their unique features and habits. A giant squid, with its 40-foot long tentacles, a giraffe with its towering neck, and an elephant, with its massive ears and trunk, are just a few of the creatures we meet. Jenkins' realistic portrayal of these animals in their actual size gives readers a newfound appreciation for the diversity and scale of the animal kingdom.
Comparing Sizes and Understanding Scale
As we move further into the book, Jenkins introduces a series of comparative illustrations, allowing us to visualize the animals' sizes relative to familiar objects. For example, the wingspan of a wandering albatross is depicted as being as wide as a small car, and the length of a reticulated python is shown to be comparable to the height of a two-story building. These comparisons effectively convey the enormous scale of these animals, making it easier for readers to understand their true sizes.
However, not all the animals in Actual Size are giants. Jenkins also highlights the diminutive creatures, such as the bee hummingbird, the world's smallest bird, and the Etruscan shrew, the tiniest mammal. These small animals are depicted at their actual size, emphasizing the incredible diversity of shapes and sizes found in the animal kingdom.
Understanding and Appreciating the Animal Kingdom
Throughout the book, Jenkins emphasizes the importance of understanding and appreciating the natural world. By presenting animals in their actual sizes, he encourages readers to develop a deeper understanding of the creatures that share our planet. This approach also helps to dispel common misconceptions about animal sizes, such as the belief that all snakes are enormous or all insects are tiny.
Moreover, Actual Size fosters a sense of wonder and awe for the natural world. By showcasing the incredible diversity of animal sizes, Jenkins reminds us of the boundless beauty and complexity of the animal kingdom. The book concludes with a powerful message about the importance of conservation, urging readers to protect and preserve the habitats of these remarkable creatures.
Final Thoughts on Actual Size
In conclusion, Actual Size by Steve Jenkins is an engaging and visually stunning exploration of the animal kingdom. Through accurate illustrations and insightful descriptions, Jenkins provides a unique perspective on animal sizes, challenging our preconceptions and deepening our appreciation for the natural world. Whether you're a child or an adult, this book is sure to inspire a sense of wonder and curiosity about the creatures we share our planet with.
How do we create content on this page?
More knowledge in less time
Read or listen
Get the key ideas from nonfiction bestsellers in minutes, not hours.
Find your next read
Get book lists curated by experts and personalized recommendations.
Shortcasts New
We’ve teamed up with podcast creators to bring you key insights from podcasts.
What is Actual Size about?
Actual Size by Steve Jenkins is a captivating non-fiction book that showcases the true size of various animals and insects. Through stunning illustrations and factual information, readers get a sense of scale and gain a deeper understanding of the natural world. It's an educational and visually engaging read for both children and adults.
Actual Size Review
Actual Size (2004) by Steve Jenkins showcases the true-to-life sizes of various animals, from the colossal to the minuscule. Here's why this book is a captivating read:
- Featuring stunning illustrations that accurately depict the animals' sizes, it offers a unique perspective on the animal kingdom.
- With interesting facts and comparisons woven into each page, readers will be amazed by the sheer diversity and scale of nature.
- The book's interactive design, allowing readers to compare their own size to animals, ensures an engaging and educational experience that breaks the monotony.
Who should read Actual Size?
Readers who are curious about the true size of various animals
Children who enjoy visually engaging and informative picture books
Educators looking for a unique way to teach about animal sizes and proportions
Categories with Actual Size
Book summaries like Actual Size
People ❤️ Blinkist
Sven O.
It's highly addictive to get core insights on personally relevant topics without repetition or triviality. Added to that the apps ability to suggest kindred interests opens up a foundation of knowledge.
Thi Viet Quynh N.
Great app. Good selection of book summaries you can read or listen to while commuting. Instead of scrolling through your social media news feed, this is a much better way to spend your spare time in my opinion.
Jonathan A.
Life changing. The concept of being able to grasp a book's main point in such a short time truly opens multiple opportunities to grow every area of your life at a faster rate.
Renee D.
Great app. Addicting. Perfect for wait times, morning coffee, evening before bed. Extremely well written, thorough, easy to use.
People also liked these summaries
4.8 Stars
Average ratings on iOS and Google Play
43 Million
Downloads on all platforms
10+ years
Experience igniting personal growth
Actual Size FAQs
What is the main message of Actual Size?
Discover the true size of animals and objects in the world.
How long does it take to read Actual Size?
Reading time for Actual Size varies. Blinkist summary: approx. 15 min.
Is Actual Size a good book? Is it worth reading?
Actual Size captivates with fascinating size comparisons. A worthy read.
Who is the author of Actual Size?
Steve Jenkins is the author of Actual Size.
What to read after Actual Size?
If you're wondering what to read next after Actual Size, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Where Good Ideas Come From by Steven Johnson
- Incognito by David Eagleman
- God Is Not Great by Christopher Hitchens
- A Brief History of Time by Stephen Hawking
- The Selfish Gene by Richard Dawkins
- Simply Complexity by Neil F. Johnson
- Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Physics of the Future by Michio Kaku
- The Black Swan by Nassim Nicholas Taleb
- Musicophilia by Oliver Sacks