Rather than delivering the basics, like lions, tigers, and bears, these volumes in the continuing Living Wild series focus on some of the planet's less understood yet often more intriguing animals. Geared for both the browsing reader and serious student, the oversize books blend detailed information with engaging sidebar facts and numerous high-quality color photos, many of which are full page. Each title presents an overview of the species as well as its physical characteristics, habitat, food sources, defense mechanisms, mating, care for its young, and special qualities that make it unusual or unique. Sloths describes how this slow-moving animal earns its name both anecdotally and scientifically. All of the books consider how the animal has been represented in religion, literature, art, and popular media and even include a short folktale or myth related to the creature. Perhaps most important is how the series addresses threats, particularly human impact, to the survival of these species. Whether weird, beautiful, or simply adorable, this series has its animals covered.

Each book provides a scattershot overview of the mammal's "xtraordinary" physical characteristics, diet, habitat, behaviors, reproduction, and development. Large, clear photographs extend the information presented in the stiff texts; unfortunately, the design is overly busy. Gimmicky "Top Five Xtreme" countdowns scattered throughout add little to the presentations. Bib., glos., ind.