Lesser Spotted Animals

November 21, 2016
In a richly entertaining and informative animal guide, Brown introduces 21 creatures that aren’t often in the limelight, including the Cuban solenodon, a rare venomous mammal not immune to its own poison; the lesser fairy armadillo (“the big ones are like small armored pigs”); and the Russian desman, “a sort of large, long-tailed underwater mole.” Brown’s cartooned creatures often stare at readers with expressions of skepticism or even boredom, complemented by dry-witted speech and thought balloons, and the descriptions of the animals are equally droll. “Let’s face it,” he writes, “the main reason this bat is in this book is because of its name: the dagger-toothed flower bat.” Beneath the humor, Brown shows a clear appreciation for biodiversity and a concern for environmental threats threatening many of these animals and their habitats. Ages 7–10.

Starred review from November 1, 2016
Meet the numbat, fairy armadillo, zorilla, banded linsang, hirola, and a world of lesser-known animals. Martin takes on his first written and illustrated project in an experimental, factual study of unfamiliar animals that offers a cheekily entertaining collection of fascinating creatures. Each double-page spread features one animal and related data: its size, what it eats, where it lives, a general description of the beast, comparisons to other animals, and, crucially, the animal's status--ranging from endangered to "least concern," with a couple who are "data deficient." Sharing space with the (mostly) realistic depictions of these animals are cartoons, many of them with quips or other remarks young readers will appreciate. Martin creatively offers as thumbnails often humorous illustrations of other animals as comparison, and he depicts their ranges on unlabeled but recognizable maps. The solid background colors vary from blue ocean depths to sandy African and Middle Eastern desert lands. Young readers will chuckle multiple times or simply ask questions; the word "ass" or "asses" is used eight times in the onager entry, and there's a tidbit about British explorer John Speke, who suffered "the unhelpful setback of dying." What is perhaps the most important feature is the book's not-at-all-subtle mission to encourage the protection of status-threatened creatures. This ambitious nonfiction picture book uncovering extraordinary, rarely spotlighted creatures is both informative and funny--quite a feat. (glossary, key) (Informational picture book. 7-10)

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December 1, 2016

Gr 3-6-What are a numbat, a zorilla, an onager, a gaur, and a hirola? Readers learn about these unusual animals in this playfully written and witty guide to creatures unknown. Each of the subjects receives approximately two pages of treatment. Page layout is consistent and well organized, with blocks of color drawing attention to the humorous but informative text. Brown offers vivid analogies rather than precise measurements when describing animal sizes; for example, the zebra duiker is "medium dog-size-with skinny legs," while the crabeater seal is "as big as a very tall, fat man-lying down." The subjects inhabit different regions, and tiny maps, occasionally too small to distinguish, identify where they can be found. Among other details are diet and conservation status, derived from the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List. The light, cartoonish artwork matches the tone of the writing. Vocabulary chosen for the glossary continues the fun. Among the terms are more familiar words such as male and female and even the definition of glossary. VERDICT This romp through the lesser-known animal kingdom will inspire appreciation in readers. Highly recommended as an alternative to more traditional works.-Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH

Copyright 2016 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Starred review from November 1, 2016
Grades 2-5 *Starred Review* This witty, playful compendium of animal facts is the perfect antidote for smart alecks weary of run-of-the-mill creature trivia. The big shots have hogged the stage too long, Brown writes in his introduction, and, as advertised, he turns his attention to unsung heroes. Check out the southern right whale dolphin, a sleek cetacean lacking a dorsal fin, or Speke's pectinator, a hamsterlike creature with a fantastic name, or the banded linsang, a jungle hunter so stealthy that scientists don't know much about them at all. Brown's write-up of each animal includes a tidy rundown of facts, and his flip, but still earnest, tone is a delight to read. His detailed, slightly cartoonish illustrations depict each animal with deeply expressive, chuckle-worthy faces, like the guar, looking bored while the surrounding text jostles for room around its gigantic body. Speech balloon asides from animals on every page pile on even more jokes. For all its levity, though, this entertaining volume never loses sight of the distressing realities facing these creaturesmany are endangered, sometimes critically, and awareness is a huge part of conservation efforts. With a compulsively engaging tone, lighthearted artwork, and a meaningful kernel of education at its heart, this excellent book will entrance a wide variety of readers, who will surely be eager for more.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)