I have a great love of books. It doesn’t matter whether they’re story books, picture books, or chapter books. I love books.

Speaking of books, I’d like to share (and giveaway!) a very special book. It truly is one of the most beautiful books I have ever seen. I seriously cannot put into words how over the top in love I am with this book.

Author David FitzSimmons and his photography in CuriousCritters are nothing short of genius. Each critter was photographed with a white background to showcase colors, textures, and shapes with precision and clarity. Simply stunning!

The curious critters showcased are common to Northern America.

A Jumping Spider that can seriously JUMP.

The Bush Katydid is adorable because of the name and color.

A Big Brown Bat that looks a bit like a vampire … but dines on insects.

The most gorgeous photo of a Goldfish that I’ve ever seen.

Run of the mill rodent? Nope! Flying Squirrel! I wouldn’t have guessed!

Each photograph has a narrative from the critter’s perspective. How clever is that? Children can totally connect; grownups, too. I did and wager to say you would also.

The Eastern Box Turtle has this to say, “So, you want to know the secrets to a long life. After fifty years, I’d say it’s pretty simple: eat, sleep, crawl, hide, share and have fun!” The Box Turtle goes on to describe his habitat, diet and friendship with other box turtles and critters. The narratives truly are delightful!

The Eastern Box Turtle especially has a place in our hearts. Our 8-year old grandson Cody wanted and received one for his birthday a few months back. Her name is Pip. He loves her and tends to her needs. Cody has a deep passion for all animal life. He’s also very compassionate. He recently came across a rattlesnake and convinced his father to relocate the snake instead of any other alternative. That’s how our Cody Bear rolls. We’re giving Cody CuriousCritters for Christmas. It’s a special gift I’m very excited about giving. I know he’s going to love it and can’t wait to see his reaction when he opens it.

GIVEAWAY!

Congratulations to our winner #73 Kellie in Illinois who likes the Eastern Screech Owl. ;D

And now is your chance to have your own copy of CuriousCritters. I’m here to say it will be one awesome gift for a child in your life regardless of their age! We have a copy for one lucky reader.

1. Required entry – Tell us what your favorite Curious Critter is?

2. For extra entries:

3. Follow @SimplyCathi on Twitter.

4. Become a fan of Simple Sojourns – Our brand NEW Facebook page. (We’re undergoing big future changes)

5. Subscribe by email to Planes, Trains & Taxi Cabs (right sidebar).

6. You can earn one extra entry each time you tweet (once a day) about this giveaway:

GIVEAWAY! Curious Critters – a gorgeous photography book! http://bit.ly/nhP69r #giveaway #win @SimplyCathi

7. Like Curious Critters on Facebook.

* This giveaway will close at midnight PDT on Thursday, November 3, 2011.

* The giveaway is open to US residents only.

* One set of entries per household.

* The winner will be chosen using Random.org and will have 48 hours to respond to the winner notification email.

No compensation was received for this post. We did owever recieve a copy of Curious Critters to facilitate our review and also for the giveaway winner.