Summary – This is a nonfiction book about some of the ugliest animals on Earth. There was a pig-nosed frog, a blob fish, and many other bizarre looking creatures. It was informative and had a lot of information for readers. This book was more of an upper level reading book as some of the descriptions and words were a little advanced. There were pictures of each animal that really helped bring the realization of the looks of the animal to the focus of the reader.

Personal Response – This was a really fun book to read with my son. He loved the animals and learning about what made them so special. It allowed us to talk about why they might be that way, adaptations, etc. He also really loved the pictures of each animal. The blob fish was his favorite and he is still drawing pictures of it.

Curricular Connections – This would be a fun science book for elementary kids. Younger elementary could use it just like I did with my son, as a book to read aloud and discuss. It can help introduce concepts such as adaptations or why animals look the way they do. With upper elementary, they could read the book and do a short research project about one of the animals. They could also do some research to see if they can find an ugly animal that didn’t make the book and then do a presentation on that animal and why they think it should have been in the book. ( )