   | Full Text Reviews: Booklist - 11/01/2016 *Starred Review* This witty, playful compendium of animal facts is the perfect antidote for smart alecks weary of run-of-the-mill creature trivia. “The big shots have hogged the stage too long,” Brown writes in his introduction, and, as advertised, he turns his attention to unsung heroes. Check out the southern right whale dolphin, a sleek cetacean lacking a dorsal fin, or Speke’s pectinator, a hamsterlike creature with a fantastic name, or the banded linsang, a jungle hunter so stealthy that scientists don’t know much about them at all. Brown’s write-up of each animal includes a tidy rundown of facts, and his flip, but still earnest, tone is a delight to read. His detailed, slightly cartoonish illustrations depict each animal with deeply expressive, chuckle-worthy faces, like the guar, looking bored while the surrounding text jostles for room around its gigantic body. Speech balloon asides from animals on every page pile on even more jokes. For all its levity, though, this entertaining volume never loses sight of the distressing realities facing these creatures—many are endangered, sometimes critically, and awareness is a huge part of conservation efforts. With a compulsively engaging tone, lighthearted artwork, and a meaningful kernel of education at its heart, this excellent book will entrance a wide variety of readers, who will surely be eager for more. - Copyright 2016 Booklist. School Library Journal - 12/01/2016 Gr 3–6—What are a numbat, a zorilla, an onager, a gaur, and a hirola? Readers learn about these unusual animals in this playfully written and witty guide to creatures unknown. Each of the subjects receives approximately two pages of treatment. Page layout is consistent and well organized, with blocks of color drawing attention to the humorous but informative text. Brown offers vivid analogies rather than precise measurements when describing animal sizes; for example, the zebra duiker is "medium dog-size—with skinny legs," while the crabeater seal is "as big as a very tall, fat man—lying down." The subjects inhabit different regions, and tiny maps, occasionally too small to distinguish, identify where they can be found. Among other details are diet and conservation status, derived from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. The light, cartoonish artwork matches the tone of the writing. Vocabulary chosen for the glossary continues the fun. Among the terms are more familiar words such as male and female and even the definition of glossary. VERDICT This romp through the lesser-known animal kingdom will inspire appreciation in readers. Highly recommended as an alternative to more traditional works.—Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH - Copyright 2016 Publishers Weekly, Library Journal and/or School Library Journal used with permission. Loading...
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