Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 2--4--This nonfiction seek-and-find picture book features 12 different animals from all over the world, with unique camouflage and mimicry adaptations. From great horned owls in North and South America to panther chameleons in Madagascar, readers will learn about animals that inhabit (almost) every continent. Each spread provides watercolor illustrations and short informational blurbs. Every animal has its own seek-and-find spread, which showcases amazing adaptations at work. The concise text is interesting and digestible for children, and the vibrant illustrations are realistic. Kids who enjoy learning about all different kinds of animals will love this title. VERDICT Recommended for school and public libraries.--Kristen Higgins, Nanuet P. L., Nanuet, New York
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Review by Kirkus Book Review
Martin highlights the lives and disguises of one dozen animals hailing from habitats from every continent but Antarctica, with camouflaged-animal searches. Captivating watercolor art immediately draws readers in. Before the title page, a blue-and-green map of Earth's continents appears, superimposed with 12 circles; each circle contains a portrait of one of the upcoming subjects. Also preceding the title page, the author notes the importance of humans' protecting habitat in order to save animals, "even when we can't always see them!" Two double-page spreads are devoted to each animal, starting with chameleons. The first spread for each animal uses an ideal amount of negative space to set off short, titled paragraphs and art that perfectly complements the text. For example, "Sticky Situation" gives fascinating facts about a chameleon's tongue as one whips across the top of the paragraph. The second double-page spread for each animal offers fun that will entice even 3-year-olds. A small amount of text lets readers know how many of the featured animal are hiding in each lushly painted environment--from eight mimic octopuses to 17 owl butterflies--as well as the names of other animals hidden there. The conversational text clearly defines words such as metamorphosis and opisthoglyphous (having fangs at the back of the upper jaw). Both art and text enhance scientific accuracy with beauty and playfulness--a rare feat. Sturdy pages, too. Do not hide this book! (Informational picture book. 4-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.
