Stink Fights, Earwax, and Other Marvelous Mammal Adaptations

August 1, 2020

K-Gr 3-This entertaining science title highlights unique adaptations of 14 mammals. Following a few introductory pages, each animal is given a two-page spread. Animal profiles feature a simple topic sentence or fact rendered in a playful font. Brief paragraphs with smaller-size text offer additional information. A couple of descriptions seem subjective, such as the sentence discussing the southern elephant seals: "Like sloths, southern elephant seals may look like a bunch of large, lazy bums-with funny noses-when they are on shore. In the water, though, they move like a torpedo." Discussion questions encourage readers to contemplate animal adaptations beyond the text. In the section on bats, readers are asked, "How would you like to sleep upside down to make it easier to get out of bed?" With the exception of some small photos in the back matter, the animals are illustrated in color. Mazeika's illustrations use an anatomically correct but cartoon style. The animals are depicted as happy, serene, or playful. For example, the bats are drawn with softened facial features and smiles. Each animal appears in its natural habitat; the various environments showcase a nature-inspired palette. Back matter includes simple activities, facts, and a glossary. VERDICT Enjoyable, light reading for browsers and fans of animal nonfiction. A good addition to classroom libraries.-Lisa Taylor, Florida State Coll., Jacksonville

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

October 15, 2020
Grades 1-4 Through layered, mischievous illustrations and detailed back matter, the Picture Book Science series (5 new titles) plies young readers with a ton of useful facts about how all sorts of animals have evolved to survive in their environments. Stink Fights delves into the weird, wide world of mammal adaptations, which includes whale earwax plugs, star-nosed mole sniffer sensitivity, and everything in between. Each book contains a hands-on activity that will get kids involved; the mammal volume even points out that human beings are mammals, too, and encourages students to consider their own place in their ecosystems. Classroom-friendly and fun, too.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2020, American Library Association.)