Animals at Work: How Animals Build, Dig, Fish and Trap

Irene Punt is a published author and elementary-school teacher in
Calgary, Alberta.

Have you ever wondered why and how the honeybee builds its honeycomb
with hexagon-shaped wax? Or why and how the weaverbird ties perfect
single half-hitch knots? Etta Kaner has created a terrific book for
young readers who want to know the answers.

The text, which is divided into six chapters, is entertaining,
fact-filled, and full of questions. When answers are given, they are
complemented with hands-on experiments for the reader to discover the
rational for themselves. Young readers will encounter animal skills for
building homes; attracting a mate; protecting themselves; and catching,
preparing, and storing food. Each concept showcases a different animal
and asks the reader to think about what it would be like to be that
animal. The excellent follow-up activities include: eliminating
different shapes while building a honeycomb to actually find out why
hexagons are the best shape; including gravel stones while building a
well; tying various knots used by birds and people; making spit bubbles
like the spittle-bug; and exploring refractions with water; and making a
leaf sponge just like a chimpanzee.

Beautiful illustrations by Pat Stephens, clear labeling, and
interesting sidebars complete the book. Highly recommended.