Lesser Spotted Animals

While there are many books about endangered species, what makes this new book by Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown stand out is that these are the 'brilliant beasts you never knew you needed to know about'. And the humour - there are some lovely, funny moments throughout the book, lightening what is otherwise a serious subject. This is a book to dip into - don't expect to find zebras or pandas, do expect the 'dagger-toothed flower bat', the 'lesser fairy armadillo' and the 'zorilla' among others. These endangered animals come from all corners of the world and each spread is dedicated to a different one. Alongside a depiction of the creatures is text explaining why it is special and why endangered, as well as a fact box telling us its size, habitate and status - together with a final fact that brings in the funny or remarkable things that are so often what children will remember! There is lots of humour in the illustrations, too; check out the long-tailed dunnart that is crunching on a mouse paw or the sleek southern right whale dolphin. This is the kind of book that will have children returning again and again - there are so many interesting facts and touches of humour that will appeal to them. Definitely one for the class or school library! 54 pages / Ages 7-11 years / Reviewed by Alice Green.

Suggested Reading Age 7+