At the Edge: Curious Creatures of Planet Earth
(Paws, Fins, Feathers, Claws)

K-Gr 3--Elliott returns with a lively and inventive collection celebrating unusual animals from across the globe. Each spread pairs a short, rhyming poem with striking full-page illustrations. The art, composed of bold textures and zoomed-in perspectives, invites readers to linger over the distinctive features of each creature. The poems vary widely in tone and length, showcasing his signature wit and impeccable sense of rhythm. Some, like the two-word ode to the black rain frog, "Bumpy. Grumpy," offer quick flashes of personality. Others pose humorous questions, as with the naked mole-rat: "Are you cold because you live underground? Or are you underground because you are cold?" These playful verses spark curiosity and encourage readers to look more closely at animals they may never have encountered before. While the poems themselves focus on mood, voice, and memorable imagery rather than factual detail, this intentional sparseness invites questions: Why is a pink fairy armadillo pink? What makes the tiny peacock spider's mating dance so spectacular? Elliott's humor and light touch create many entry points for discussion, prompting children to wonder, explore, and seek out answers. To satisfy that curiosity, the back matter includes fascinating little-known facts about each animal. Librarians and educators will find this section particularly useful for introducing research, inquiry, and animal science units. VERDICT A delightful, curious, and engaging collection; if there is only one poetry book to add this year, this is it.--Heidi Dechief

Copyright 2026 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

A light and breezy, around-the-world look at an array of unusual species.

A surefire delight for young readers and listeners who enjoy their natural history delivered with generous doses of wordplay.