Orangutan Hats and Other Tools Animals Use

Gr 3-5—Humans aren't the only ones who use tools to secure food, safety, shelter, comfort, health, and recreation. Many animals have found innovative solutions across continents. For example, orangutans use leaves as umbrellas and hats; crabs use stinging anemones to protect themselves from predators; ravens "play" catch. Biologists have discovered through observation that each tool has an important use. Informational paragraphs written by Haynes are accompanied by colorful digital art rendered and illustrated by Laberis. The gentle yet realistic illustrations flow with the text, giving readers time to absorb each particular tool type. Although the information may be overwhelming to consume in one sitting for younger readers, the chapters provide a good introduction to animals creating tools using their natural habitat. A map and table of contents are located at the front of the book. A glossary, a bibliography, and an index are included in the back matter. Similar reads include Atlas of Animal Adventures by Emily Hawkins and Tooling Around: Crafty Creatures and the Tools They Use by Ellen Jackson. VERDICT An informative and entertaining exploration of each category of tool animals use.—Hilary Tufo, Columbus Metropolitan Lib., Reynoldsburg, OH