Creature 2011 Wall Calendar

I received this book as a gift, and I will be honest--I was floored. "Creatures" that are meant to be hidden in their respective habitats are given their due majesties when planted on blank canvas. Every detail is available, stark and sometimes overwhelming. Some photos look painted, a testament that Nature oftentimes makes the best art.

I do have to say that I don't understand some other reviewers who gave this book a low rating because there are blank pages which are "insulting". What exactly is insulting about this? In my opinion, the placements of the various animals on the pages give the effort fluidity and movement in a collection of still photos; furthermore, the blank pages (when they're there) add to the value of portrait by highlighting the animal alone. After all, we paid for photos of animals with no background. It's what we received.

I believe the book would be sorely lacking if we were given 175 animals photographed ala prison photos to be...Read more

Creature is a breathtaking look at a very broad range of animals with a unique perspective. It is easy to get lost in the artistry and quality of the photographs that show detail not typically included in children or museum books.

Toward the end of the book, he photographer notes that the use of images on white is not only intentional, it is the motivation behind the entire series of photographs. To lament the amount of blank space allocated in the book is to miss the point. Stripped of their environment, some creatures are close, far, or simply alive.

Creature is not a book to merely flip from page to page, but instead to relish each individual spread for its perspective. Moving too quickly means missing the details; the photographer and designer have created a book that decidedly invites the reader to slow down and stay for a spell.

Creature is a work of art. It connects you with a single moment that is real -- might be whimsical, hungry, frightening -- but each page is virtually alive.

A good reminder that all creatures are individuals with memorable moments.