Our kids are both animals lover and also very curious about the world around them. They were fascinated by not only the beautiful illustrations in this book but also the ample about of detailed information about each animal. We learned so many new things and they loved reading about some animals they had previously heard of and some that were entirely new to us. Our kids are 6 and 8 and found this super engaging and I would think most grade school children would find this a super fun book to read as well. Thank you to NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for a copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ( )

This book was so fun and amazing. The illustrations just make it one of the best animal books around. It would be nice if a real picture of each animal was added. This reader had Google open to see the real images compared to the beautifully illustrated one. Animals chosen were unique, and not found in most other books, the writing approachable for any age, and the progression set at a nice pace. Very well done and sure to be loved by lots of library goers. ( )

This is one of those non-fiction books that reluctant readers (especially boys) will love. The weirder the better, and this book shows some. There are animals that I had never heard of and some that I had seen in zoos and aquariums, but I still learned something about most of the animals highlighted.

From the Pacific barreleye with its see-through head to the Hairy Frogfish that's spine has added tentacle that look like worms, this book provides an introduction to some of the world’s most unusual animals. Some are a little more well known such as a platypus, three-toed sloth or kiwi, but there was still information about those animals that I did not know. We learn that each odd behaviour or peculiar visual characteristic has a purpose such as for hunting, camouflage, protection etc. Learning about each animal’s behaviour, diet, habitat, and some human beliefs about the creature is punctuated by a large illustration of the animal. My one big disappointment is that there are no actual photographs of any of the animals, a sure 5 star is that had been present. Of course I would be remiss not to mention the focus on conservation and how each animals’ survival may be endangered and the reasons why. This is a fun and interesting book to introduce kids to some of the weird animals in the world and pique their interest in learning more about adaptations, environmental awareness and animal protection. A sure winner in a school or class library. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book upon request. The rating, ideas and opinions shared are my own. ( )

What a beautiful and interesting little book about some unique inhabitants of this wild world we call home! I read this with my capricious 8 year old and she LOVED it! It features animals from all over the globe with vastly different phenotypic and behavioral adaptations that help them live (and thrive) in their particular piece of the planet. The illustrations are gorgeous though the artistry is not only with the graphics but with the plethora of accompanying information about each creature as well. Together they form a one-two punch that was an instant hit in our house! Some of the descriptions are a bit long winded, especially for younger readers, BUT if you have a Little that has a voracious appetite for knowledge (especially for all things zoological and unique) then this book is a wonderful addition to any budding bibliophile's library. My daughter enjoyed making a game out of guessing the animals' identity based on the least amount of description as possible. I truly believe that you too will enjoy learning all about how wonderous, and super powered, these animals are. Who are those furless, bipedal, mammals making all that racket? Why, it's us. We Humans happen to make it onto the strikingly vivid illustrated pages along with some lesser known creatures. I won't ruin which others appear within, you'll just have to check out the book to find out but I highly reccomend you do so.

*** I was given a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review *** ( )