Odd Bods: The World's Unusual Animals
by Julie Murphy
32 pages; ages 4-9
Millbrook Press, 2021
theme: animals, adaptations, nonfiction
Odd Bods don’t look like most animals – and that’s what makes them great!
These animals could sport spikes, have a huge nose, or even feature extra-long fingers. But those things we think are “odd” are the very adaptations that help them survive in their world. Take the thorn bug, for example. Its sharp spike helps it hide on prickly plants. But the desert-dwelling thorny devil’s spikes help it collect water. Cool, eh? And then there’s my favorite: the leafy sea dragon whose frills help it blend in with seaweed waving in the current.
What I like about this book: Main text gets the idea across in straightforward declarative sentences. “Bright red lips can help you to stand out from the crowd!” An outlined text-box provides the context: how this oddity is a helpful adaptation for the animal (in this case, red-lipped batfish). I like the back matter: a map showing where the animals live, and “odd facts” about each animal.
Beyond the Books:
Thorn bugs may look like thorns, but they don’t sound like thorns! Find out more here – and listen to the sounds they make.
Check out these weird animals from this BBC Earth Unplugged video.
Go on an Odd Bod scavenger hunt around your neighborhood or at a zoo. Look for
- an animal with a spike
- an animal with a big nose
- an insect with big eye-spots
- an insect or animal with horns
- an animal that is well-disguised
- an animal with a feature that makes it stand out
Luckily, my library has this on order, so I was able to reserve a copy. Can't wait to read it. You find the best books. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteYou do find the most unique and irresistible reads for kids. Colorful and beckoning and packed with information!
ReplyDeleteWhoa! This book looks fabulous! And the Libraries of Life is now bookmarked on my laptop. Thanks!
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