Extremely Gross Animals: Stinky, Slimy and Strange Animal Adaptations? by Claire Eamer
Published by Kids Can Press on June 1, 2021
ISBN: 1525303376
Pages: 40
Genres: Animals
Format: Picture Book Nonfiction
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Sure, readers know the skunk is a stinky animal but how many know that the bombardier beetle unleashes a more horrendous smell when threatened?  The author has selected over 30 animals into groups of seven using like behaviors as her classification method.  Part of the appeal is the gross factor yet not all readers will be disgusted or disturbed by these animals.  Readers might be surprised what animals will vomit as a defense or who east poop for breakfast.

This book will introduce scientific thought to young readers and may lead some to perusing biology.  Employing techniques like observation and research Eamer will open the eyes of many budding scientist.  The photo illustrations are excellent, many are close-ups from the field while others are taken in a laboratory environment. The after pages include a glossary of scientific terms and selected sources.  Most of the sources are as current as three years.  Add this to public libraries and to primary school media center collections.  Once introduced to student readers this book will rarely remain on the shelf.

 

Submitted by Jan Hamilton, retired youth services librarian in Scarborough, ME.