Born Smart: Why Animals Do What They Do

Pat Galloway is the resource librarian for the Toronto & District Parent
Co-operative Preschool Corporation.

Are animals born smart? Where do their seemingly inexplicable habits
originate? Born Smart explains, for readers 9 and up, why squirrels know
that they should store nuts for the winter, and why beavers know that
slapping their tails on the pond is a great way to raise an alarm.

Peter Cook and Laura Suzuki have used a winning blend of humorous
illustration and chatty, informal text to guide young readers through a
beginner’s investigation of animal instinct. Chapters on defence,
parenting, feeding, and the like explain how some very familiar
behaviors (e.g., the family dog twisting and turning to make a nest on
the couch) fit into a strategy for survival of the species.

This well-written book is an excellent introduction to the concepts of
instinct and natural selection. While the comic-book format will appeal
particularly to children, readers of all ages will find the book
enjoyable and enlightening. Terms and words that might be unfamiliar to
young readers are highlighted and explained. The index, glossary, and
reading list are useful aids for further exploration of the topic.
Highly recommended.