Hippos Can't Swim: And Other Fun Facts

Animal-based humor and goofy cartoons with the feel of 1950s animation fill the pages of this entertaining and lightly informational book. Bug-eyed turquoise jellyfish with bean-shaped heads and squiggly arms (some wear glasses, hair bows, and hats) "float with the currents of the ocean," while on the opposite page, a nonthreatening-looking purple shark is paralyzed with fear over a long-lashed jellyfish's bioluminescence. Elsewhere, readers learn that raccoons are "attracted to shiny objects" and ants "take about 250 naps throughout the day." While the overall vibe is more Hanna-Barbera than National Geographic, there's a good amount of animal factoids amid the silliness. Ages 4-8. (Feb.)

K-Gr 2--These titles are sure to whet the appetites of animal-loving children and maybe even some adults. Each book starts off with a few basic facts in the form of questions, such as "Did you know female chickens are called hens and male chickens are called roosters?" After that, things take off. Cool and intriguing facts about different animals (except household pets) are highlighted in two-page spreads. The transition between animals is smooth, and the authors do a commendable job of connecting or contrasting a fact or attribute of one animal to the next. For example, in Hippos Can't Swim, it is mentioned that jellyfish can produce light in their bodies, which is used to scare off predators. The next animals to be discussed are fireflies, whose light is used to communicate and to attract mates. In addition to the collection of interesting facts, the illustrations are comical and entertaining, though average in quality. Young readers are sure to be amused by these zany looking animals. These lively books are great choices for general purchase.--Jeanette Lambert, Nashville-Davidson County Schools, TN

K-Gr 2--These titles are sure to whet the appetites of animal-loving children and maybe even some adults. Each book starts off with a few basic facts in the form of questions, such as "Did you know female chickens are called hens and male chickens are called roosters?" After that, things take off. Cool and intriguing facts about different animals (except household pets) are highlighted in two-page spreads. The transition between animals is smooth, and the authors do a commendable job of connecting or contrasting a fact or attribute of one animal to the next. For example, in Hippos Can't Swim, it is mentioned that jellyfish can produce light in their bodies, which is used to scare off predators. The next animals to be discussed are fireflies, whose light is used to communicate and to attract mates. In addition to the collection of interesting facts, the illustrations are comical and entertaining, though average in quality. Young readers are sure to be amused by these zany looking animals. These lively books are great choices for general purchase.--Jeanette Lambert, Nashville-Davidson County Schools, TN