A Celebration of Weird & Wonderful Animals
December 1, 2018
Grades 2-4 In bright, boldly illustrated two-page profiles, this book introduces 20 strange, unique, and likely unfamiliar creatures?and one that's very familiar. Animals from across the globe and from an array of habitats appear here to showcase their intriguing adaptations. The Australian duck-billed platypus, one of two mammals that lay eggs, and the narwhal, whose long horn is actually a sensitive tooth that this arctic whale uses to hunt and communicate, are two of the more recognizable creatures here. But what about the hoatzin, the Amazon's stink bird, which releases a terrible odor (it tastes bad, too) as a defense mechanism? Or the hairy frog, an African amphibian that breaks its own toes to release claws when it feels threatened? In addition to a brief bio, each profile is accompanied by a dynamic, cut-paper portrait; with bright colors and a close focus, Daviz highlights the spectacular creatures' varied attributes while imbuing them with individual personalities. An intriguing, highly visual introduction to fascinating creatures and the science behind adapting for life in different parts of the world.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2018, American Library Association.)
January 1, 2019
Twenty-one animals, including humans, are profiled with an emphasis on what makes each "weird"; inevitably, it is a body part or behavior that allows the animal to survive. With its large, dazzlingly colored illustrations, this book is good for casual browsing or as an introduction to adaptation. The entry on humans emphasizes using our brains to conserve the amazing animals around the world. Websites. Ind.
(Copyright 2019 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)