Weird Animals

Sheree Haughian is an elementary-school teacher-librarian in
Orangeville, Ontario.

What mammal lays eggs like a bird? Which animal has no fingers but can
open a jar? What lizard is known for its chronic bad breath? The answers
to these questions and other tidbits of zoological trivia are there for
the hunting in Weird Animals.

This concept book classifies “weird animals” as those considered to
have unusual bodies, bizarre diets, or odd habits—at least from the
human perspective. The introductory page points out that the
“offbeat” in nature is always to a purpose. However, it also notes
that many of the earth’s stranger species are endangered because they
can live successfully only in one special environment.

This glimpse into the wondrous ways of natural selection is written for
a primary-level audience. The bulk of the book consists of profiles and
colored photographs/illustrations of 14 unusual creatures from different
parts of the world. A table of contents, an index, and a glossary assure
speedy access to the information. Younger students researching
endangered species are likely to find this book an intriguing
touchstone, although they will have to probe more deeply for a
comprehensive view of any particular animal or its place in the
environmental scheme of things. Recommended.