Teeth That Stab and Grind

Description

32 pages
Contains Photos, Illustrations, Index
$6.95
ISBN 1-55054-770-4
DDC j573.3'56

Publisher

Year

2000

Contributor

Reviewed by Steve Pitt

Steve Pitt is a Toronto-based freelance writer and an award-winning journalist. He has written many young adult and children's books, including Day of the Flying Fox: The True Story of World War II Pilot Charley Fox.

Review

If you like your science “in your face,” these books will take you
“up close” to view some of the more interesting aspects of the
animal kingdom. In Feet That Suck and Feed, readers will learn about
pliable panda paws, tacky tree-toad toes, springy chamois shins, crusty
crab claws, and many other amazing adaptations. Nose That Plow and Poke
explores how animals use their noses for talking, hunting, greeting, and
moving things, even for doing tricks. Tails That Talk and Fly shows how
animal tails are used for balance, warmth, hunting, hiding, fighting,
moving, climbing, braking, bracing, and dissing your enemies. Young
readers might be surprised to learn that even people have tails in their
fetus stage. Teeth That Stab and Grind describes how animals use their
teeth for everything from raising cubs to clam digging. Because teeth
are a big part of every child’s life, this book will be particularly
fascinating to those expecting a visit from the tooth fairy.

Each volume by award-winning children’s science writer Diane Swanson
consists of informative prose complemented by eye-catching and often
quirky photographs of animals putting their best foot, nose, tooth, or
tail forward. Nearly every page sports a sidebar and/or humorous
illustration offering more information. Highly recommended.

Citation

Swanson, Diane., “Teeth That Stab and Grind,” Canadian Book Review Annual Online, accessed November 22, 2024, https://cbra.library.utoronto.ca/items/show/21608.