Michael Hearst

Introduces kids to some animals they've probably never heard of, and tells you where they're found and how they live. It feels like you're reading about mythological creatures, but the maps included showing where these strange creatures are found, and the writing is very engaging toward kids. The author sounds childlike and fascinated.

Creatures so odd that no one can really believe they exist. I could share some of these details but that would ruin the fun. Read it. You will like it.

This reference guide to unusual animals takes a dictionary approach, listing a variety of animals from A-Y, including information, sketches, maps and a lot of humor. I thought that the choice to use drawings instead of photographs for a nonfiction book about especially unique animals would be problematic, but it turned out that I loved the lifelike drawings and was just as fascinated or grossed-out as I would have been by photographs!

A fascinating and fun collection of profiles of 50 of the oddest critters that inhabit Planet Earth. Hearst injects some great touches of humor to go along with the excellent information. Nooderman's line drawings in washed colors are a wonderful complement to the text.