![Weird and Wild Animal Facts](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805079459.jpg?itok=K7_LawM8)
Fourteen critters are presented here through well-placed photographs and fascinating factoids. From small (“the female tarantula lays 500 to 1000 eggs in a silken sac…”) to tall (“a giraffe’s tongue is black”), to up in the air (the hummingbird) or down in the water (a seahorse), this book is fun and informative.
Weird and Wild Animal Facts
![Orangutanka](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805098399.jpg?itok=NGZHfCJJ)
A poetic, playful look at an orangutan family in the wild takes as they dance their way through the trees of the rainforest. A poetic form called the “tanka” combines with animated illustrations for a jaunty glimpse of these appealing primates.
Orangutanka
![Octopuses! Strange and Wonderful](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1590789288.jpg?itok=Ny9yEC2B)
The octopus is not only intelligent, it can be remarkably adaptable able to change color, shape and even skin texture. This fascinating overview is illustrated with attractive watercolors and includes additional detail in back matter. For older readers (ages 9 to 12), The Octopus Scientists (opens in a new window) by Sy Montgomery with photographs by Keith Ellenbogen follows octopus scientist, Jennifer Mathers, and her international team as they learn about and try to better understand this clever creature.
Octopuses! Strange and Wonderful
![How to Swallow a Pig: Step-by-Step Advice from the Animal Kingdom](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0544313658.jpg?itok=OuOlLPuT)
From whales to wasps, glimpses into animal behavior makes for intriguing reading. A pig eating python concludes the brief, engaging book illustrated with cut and torn paper collage. Back matter includes a bit more detail about the creatures described.
How to Swallow a Pig: Step-by-Step Advice from the Animal Kingdom
![A Friend for Lakota: The Incredible True Story of a Wolf Who Braved Bullying](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1426320825.jpg?itok=VBXOlBND)
The authors followed a wolf pup and his pack for six years, living in the Sawtooth Mountains in Idaho. Their observations provide readers with a look at life for a shy wolf whose life becomes better with a strong companion shared in dynamic photographs and an informal narration.
A Friend for Lakota: The Incredible True Story of a Wolf Who Braved Bullying
![Emu](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763674796.jpg?itok=X3-C4DWK)
Meet the flightless, unkempt-looking bird, a native of Australia, in this large, handsome and informative picture book. The way the male emu is responsible for protecting the eggs and raising fledglings is engagingly presented and sure to spark further interest.
Emu
![The Call of the Osprey](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0544232682.jpg?itok=yN9FZwd6)
Follow three scientists as they study the osprey, a fascinating raptor, in and around Missoula, Montana. How these large birds are tracked and studied is revealed in a highly accessible well-researched text and color photos. Further information appears in sidebars and back matter.
The Call of the Osprey
![If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, DON'T!](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0316376574.jpg?itok=rjlQi0o4)
Even though Magnolia assures her teacher that her large, green alligator won’t be any trouble, together girl and reptile prove the opposite. Messy, mischievous Magnolia not only gets her name on the board but three checks beside it and a trip to the principal in this rollicking tale.
If You Ever Want to Bring an Alligator to School, DON’T!
![Where's the Pair? A Spotting Book](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763677728.jpg?itok=-YerKBuO)
A rhyming description of a host of animals combines with crisp, colorful, and detailed illustrations encouraging readers to find matching pairs. Careful examination is needed to discern the differences in identically shaped but uniquely colored critters in this attractive game book.
Where’s the Pair? A Spotting Book
![Shadow of the Shark](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0553510819.jpg?itok=rt1-MnmB)
In this Magic Tree House story, Jack and Annie’s vacation in the glorious waters off Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula doesn’t turn out quite like they expect. An encounter with sharks and with a Mayan girl plus a bit of magic create another satisfying, fantastical adventure in the series. A companion book, Sharks and other Predators (opens in a new window) helps readers separate fact from fiction.
Shadow of the Shark
![The Pirate Pig](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0385375441.jpg?itok=3PL8Vvrs)
Stout Sam and his deckhand Pip live comfortably on their island enjoying whatever the sea washes to their shore. When they find a pig in a barrel on the beach, they name her Julie. Sam and Pip soon discover she has a special talent learned from pirates who want their treasure-locating pig back. This madcap adventure punctuated by full-color illustration is sure to make young readers laugh out loud.
The Pirate Pig
![Ninja Bunny](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0385754930.jpg?itok=dB__WJAM)
The small bunny has 10 rules about being the best ninja there is. That is until he comes across a large bear that makes him appreciate the most important rule of all: all ninjas need friends! The ninja bunny and his buddies all look alike with the exception of the ninja’s outfit, adding to the humor conveyed in the illustrations and understated text.
Ninja Bunny
![Everything for a Dog](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0312674848.jpg?itok=lY6lKF2z)
Bone, a stray dog, narrates the sometimes harrowing tale of how he finds a permanent home, effectively and evenly read.
Everything for a Dog
![Ace](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0679819312.jpg?itok=cC8nyUvO)
Farmer Tubb wants to sell Ace and his siblings when they reach eight weeks of age. Can Ace, a very bright porker, save them all?
Ace
![Melonhead and the Later Gator Plan](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0385741669.jpg?itok=0ZaA0RXW)
Adam Melon (better known as Melonhead) narrates the adventures he and his best friend, Sam, have during winter break. The boys stay with Melonhead’s grandparents in Paradise, Florida. Their exploits include deciding to get Sam an alligator with very funny — and potentially disastrous results.
Melonhead and the Later Gator Plan
![A Children's Guide to Arctic Birds](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1927095670.jpg?itok=VIhAhkS4)
A brief introduction invites readers to learn where “birds nest, what they eat, and how they call” to learn how to pay close attention. The information that follows introduces 12 artic birds. It is comprehensive yet accessible and clearly illustrated.
A Children’s Guide to Arctic Birds
![Whale Trails: Before and Now](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805096426.jpg?itok=SvtLjjJQ)
A girl explains how her family once hunted whales but now use their family-owned boat to take tourists out to whale watch. Illustrations in color show the contemporary narrator and boat, while sepia-toned images depict the history. Interesting bits of African American history are embedded in this engaging, educational, and accessible story.
Whale Trails: Before and Now
![The Walrus Who Escaped](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1927095689.jpg?itok=AJqbuv_W)
Creatures of the far north can call on the Strength of the Land to do what they want. When Raven becomes jealous of Walrus’ useful curved tusks, Raven freezes the sea, trapping Walrus. Walrus breaks free, making his once curly tusks short and straight, which they remain to this day. This is a dramatically illustrated and well-told pourquoi (why) tale.
The Walrus Who Escaped
![Super Snifferes: Dog Detectives on the Job](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0802736181.jpg?itok=opmAJXe8)
Because dogs can actually “see” with their sense of smell, they have been trained to work in various fields to help humans. A crisp text accompanied by color photographs shows dogs working in different ways: from the military and police duties to locating invasive plants to pointing to particular medical issues. Additional resources are included at the end.
Super Snifferes: Dog Detectives on the Job
![A Nest Is Noisy](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/1452127131.jpg?itok=fmeg9ZO3)
Birds aren’t the only animals to make their homes in nests. Other nest-dwellers include insects, turtles, even orangutans. Handsome, detailed illustrations and an informative text (which can be read either in detail or for the main theme) appealingly present these animal homes and their residents.
A Nest Is Noisy
![Mrs. Noodlekugel and Drooly the Bear](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0763666459.jpg?itok=KAaxb-FZ)
While their father is attending a speed-knitting competition, Nick and his sister Maxine stay with Mrs. Noodlekugel. Together they share outrageously silly experiences that involve talking animals, a bear learning to dance, and a lost-but-found Mr. Noodlekugel. Line drawings enhance the absurd humor and add great appeal.
Mrs. Noodlekugel and Drooly the Bear
![The Most Amazing Creatures in the Sea](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0805099611.jpg?itok=kXgHLE_w)
Which is more amazing, the vampire squid or the blue whale? Could it be the leafy sea dragon or the wolffish? Characteristics of these and many other amazing sea creatures suggest that it is the most amazing but it is the reader who must decide. Stunning, realistic illustrations of each animal in its likely environment and fascinating facts present a host of remarkable beings.
The Most Amazing Creatures in the Sea
![Flowers Are Calling](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0544340124.jpg?itok=DhUZR3CY)
Poetic verse alternates with information about the flowers that attract a variety of animals and insects. Text appears on evocative illustrations in a horizontal format that suggests the expanse of the gardens and fields. A bit of additional information and link to a guide appear at the conclusion.
Flowers Are Calling
![Babymouse Bad Babysitter](/sites/default/files/styles/book_cover_mobile_1x/public/book/0307931625.jpg?itok=pUhbl7r4)
Babymouse wants to earn money and she knows she can do it because she’ll be the best babysitter ever. But things never go quite as planned for Babymouse with results that are sure to make young readers laugh — and maybe even recognize some familiar goings-on. Signature comic book illustrations are used in this installment of the series.