Non-Fiction - New Information

  Visit Alyson Beecher on Wednesdays for Non-Fiction Picture Books at Kidlit Frenzy.  From Alyson and others, you will discover terrific non-fiction books!


            Martin Brown argues that it's cool to know about the coolest creatures we've ever heard of, and he shows us twenty-four lesser-spotted ones, from small to huge, all kinds, numerous habitats, those endangered and not. Each double-page spread includes a title and sub-title, a narrative about the animal, a few extra small boxes that emphasize certain characteristics, some humor, and a box of "facts". Those "facts" include size, what they eat, where they live, status and an "extra'. Filled with fascinating information, off-hand humor and wonderful illustrations, I think all ages will love reading about these animals. 

One example of a page! 

             The Cuban Solenodon, studied rarely because they're elusive with a bad temper, has a "venomous saliva", named "Deadly Drool" by the author. It is endangered, often killed by dogs and cats despite their poison.
              I loved seeing a page about the Pika, which is a small rodent I've studied with students here in our Rocky Mountains. It's losing habitat and has become endangered. Also, a success story is told about the Black-Footed Ferret, another animal from Colorado. I had a friend who worked to help that dwindling population survive.

          I enjoyed hearing about some of these because they are new to me, and they may not be around long. The fascinating part is how wide-ranging the selection of animals is, bringing in a lesson in geography, too. Adaption has helped animals become fascinating creatures to learn about. Perhaps this will inspire young scientists to continue animal investigation in the wild someday. The names themselves are fun and interesting. Everyone will want to learn about a numbat, a lesser fairy armadillo, zorilla, the Russian Desman and a sand cat. There are more!
          There is a table of contents, an introduction and a glossary. Martin Brown lives in the U.K. and this is the first book he's both written and illustrated.