Nature's Ninja: Animals with Spectacular Skills by Rebecca L Johnson
Published by Millbrook Press (Tm) on October 1, 2019
ISBN: 154154241X
Pages: 48
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
Goodreads

I truly wanted to love this book: the organization, the clever comparisons, brilliant photographs, and extensive research had me jumping up and down with excitement. But then I read on page 13: “Other animals shoot out defensive weapons. Think of a porcupine’s quills…”

With all due respect, porcupines DO NOT SHOOT their quills. I even wrote to the author but as of June 30, have had no response. I will gladly update this review if she does respond. I don’t understand how such a book can have such extensive research done then miss a simple detail like this.

I would give this 5 stars but I cannot mislead elementary students about porcupines’ quills. Anyone considering purchasing this book will have to decide for themselves if they can live with that one glaring error.

Reviewed by Lynn Mayer, Retired Librarian, Old Town Elementary Library, Old Town