An illustrated compendium of animals with funny, fascinating, or just-plain-weird names (like the sparklemuffin peacock spider or the fried egg jellyfish) teaches kids about unusual animals as well as scientific taxonomy. Genuinely fun reference!

"From surfing penguins to karate-kicking kangaroos, the animals in Paul Thurlby's wildlife are up to some wild antics--some strange...all true!"--Dust jacket.

"Of course animals can be cute and cuddly, but they can be downright gross, too! Many animals use pee, poo, and even puke for drinking, eating, and protecting. This book covers all the nastiest habits of the most disgusting creatures on the planet."--P. [4] of cover.

In paintings and text the author describes his feelings about a variety of animals and explains the threats each species has faced and what can be done to protect them.

Offers information about the behavior and special characteristics of fifteen different animals, as well as creative games and activities that allow young readers to copy the movements, sounds, and behaviors of each animal.

"How many species are there across the globe? How much do all of the insects in the world collectively weigh? How far can animals travel? Steve Jenkins answers these questions and many more with numbers, images, innovation, and authoritative science in his latest work of illustrated nonfiction. Jenkins layers his signature cut-paper illustrations alongside computer graphics and a text that is teeming with fresh, unexpected, and accurate zoological...