• Booklist Reviews : Booklist Reviews 2020 May #2
  *Starred Review* This book is irresistible. A tasseled wobbegong? A bone-eating snot flower worm? Despite their outlandishly implausible names, every one of these 70-plus critters is absolutely real. Two- and three-page spreads introduce each of these creatively named animals, fill in details about their life cycles and habitats, and explain how they got their crazy names. Physical characteristics are important (for example, the headless chicken monster is a sea cucumber that looks like a pink, plucked turkey), and some terms have evolved over time (sarcastic, when first applied to the sarcastic fringehead, meant flesh-tearing). The book also highlights the unusual sense of humor of some scientists who have discovered new species (think of the agra cadabra beetle). The entries cover a surprising amount of information, including introductions to taxonomy and binomial nomenclature, and the back matter includes a glossary, further reading suggestions, notes on conservation, and suggestions for discovering new species, as well as a helpful animal-name generator (the authors suggest bedazzled spitting volcano cow). The plentiful full-color illustrations and photos are especially compelling, and, in addition to giggling and snorting (blue-footed booby! monkeyface prickleback!) readers will learn a great deal. This fun romp will delight animal-lovers and liven up STEM collections. Grades 2-6. Copyright 2020 Booklist Reviews.

Matthew Murrie is a former public school teacher, curriculum writer, and private academy instructor. His father, Steve Murrie, is a retired science teacher with 40 years teaching experience. Matthew and Steve are the coauthors of Every Minute on Earth and Guide to the Planet.

Matthew Murrie is a former public school teacher, curriculum writer, and private academy instructor. His father, Steve Murrie, is a retired science teacher with 40 years teaching experience. Matthew and Steve are the coauthors of Every Minute on Earth and Guide to the Planet.