University of Cambridge: The Animal Queendom: A Celebration of Nature's Fearless Females

First off, the cover of The Animal Queendom: A Celebration of Nature's Fearless Females is very striking, with its weird and sinister-looking praying mantis and its bold, vivid pink lettering. It seems to declare "don't think this book is just for girls," while the attribution of 'fearless' to females in the sub-title also carries a potent message.

Look inside and there are many winning features: the image of a great white shark, followed by pictures of charismatic or scary creatures - such as dolphins and bats - for each sub-section of the Contents; short paragraphs with intriguing headings on each colourful double-page spread; a glossary to explain technical terms (tertiary vocab ); an index for those searching for specific information; and a choice selection of achievements from over 350 years of research by women scientists.

Children will have their own favourite facts: perhaps, that there are no male flower pot snakes, ever; that female vampire bats form lasting sisterly friendships; or that the nymphs of the European Earwig sometimes eat their mum (eurrgh!).

School librarians would do well stock a copy for the Animal Kingdom section, and to recommend it widely, including to teachers, since it has all the characteristics of a classic non-fiction text. It will likely be borrowed by KS2 children with an existing interest in Natural History, but could well spark others to be more curious about the natural world, or, indeed, to pursue their own interests, scientific or otherwise, undaunted by apparent obstacles of gender or self-esteem.

This is a high quality production typical of other collaborations between the University of Cambridge and Nosy Crow.

77 pages / Reviewed by Jane Rew, school librarian

Suggested Reading Age 7+