Starred Review for Kirkus Reviews

A larger-than-usual-format picture book reveals a different side to creatures commonly considered dangerous, scary, or creepy.There are always two sides to a story, and creatures that are often feared or reviled, such as sharks or spiders, have qualities that may not be known to readers—qualities that are cleverly revealed in this thoughtfully designed, beautifully illustrated picture book. The first verso of each four-page sequence features a striking black-and-white illustration of an animal (or insect or arachnid). This is paired on the first recto with a one-word description in a clean sans-serif typeface—for example, the word paired with the spider is "Creepy…." The page turn reveals another word on verso in the same sans-serif typeface that modifies the original description—the spider's is "crafter"—to highlight another aspect of the creature; below this there is more explanation: Spiders have "many superhero-like qualities" and "spin intricate webs" that are "stronger than steel" for their weight. Smith's accompanying artwork—now subtly colored, with a cozier, slightly stylized look, and placed on the recto—illustrates the newly revealed characteristic. Gardner's text doesn't overwhelm with too much information, just a few well-chosen facts to tempt readers into thoughtful reconsiderations of hyenas, lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, sharks, gorillas, wolves, porcupines, honeybees, octopuses, spiders, and bats.With its elegant layout, gorgeous illustrations, and thoughtful text, this book presents an interesting and focused subject in an exemplary manner. (further reading) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

ALA Booklist (Sun Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2018)

First impressions can be tough, as many of these less-loved, often-feared creatures from the animal kingdom can attest. Through Smith's lovely, detailed charcoal-pencil drawings, this book offers up two portraits of each critter. The first, in black-and-white, is an ominous close-up opposite a single word: a scowling gorilla is fierce; a snarling pack of wolves are fanged; a swooping bat is ugly. A turn of the page offers a second portrait, this time in muted colors, showing another side. The gorilla becomes papa, and a brief paragraph explains how these primates are gentle, nurturing parents. Likewise, the wolves, who have sophisticated social structures, are friends, while the environmentally significant bat is a caretaker. Unfortunately, the environment is changing so quickly that the facts in this book won't be accurate for long Regardless, this is a beautifully drawn, cleverly conceptualized resource that will do much for the reputations of some of our more maligned animals.

Horn Book

Gardner presents facts about twelve commonly misunderstood animals, emphasizing that many creatures aren't what they seem. The book successfully uses page-turns to reveal the beasts' unexpected traits: a rhino is "Tough... / but vulnerable"; an octopus is a "Slimy... / genius." The soft edges of Smith's charcoal-pencil and Photoshop illustrations echo Gardner's subtle message that these animals deserve our respect and care. Reading list.

Kirkus Reviews (Fri Oct 04 00:00:00 CDT 2024)

A larger-than-usual-format picture book reveals a different side to creatures commonly considered dangerous, scary, or creepy.There are always two sides to a story, and creatures that are often feared or reviled, such as sharks or spiders, have qualities that may not be known to readers—qualities that are cleverly revealed in this thoughtfully designed, beautifully illustrated picture book. The first verso of each four-page sequence features a striking black-and-white illustration of an animal (or insect or arachnid). This is paired on the first recto with a one-word description in a clean sans-serif typeface—for example, the word paired with the spider is "Creepy…." The page turn reveals another word on verso in the same sans-serif typeface that modifies the original description—the spider's is "crafter"—to highlight another aspect of the creature; below this there is more explanation: Spiders have "many superhero-like qualities" and "spin intricate webs" that are "stronger than steel" for their weight. Smith's accompanying artwork—now subtly colored, with a cozier, slightly stylized look, and placed on the recto—illustrates the newly revealed characteristic. Gardner's text doesn't overwhelm with too much information, just a few well-chosen facts to tempt readers into thoughtful reconsiderations of hyenas, lions, elephants, rhinoceroses, sharks, gorillas, wolves, porcupines, honeybees, octopuses, spiders, and bats.With its elegant layout, gorgeous illustrations, and thoughtful text, this book presents an interesting and focused subject in an exemplary manner. (further reading) (Informational picture book. 4-8)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Gardner thoughtfully urges readers to look beyond animals- most apparent traits. Porcupines are -prickly,- sure; however, they are also peaceful loners, -shy herbivores who eat leaves, flower blossoms, and berries.- Working in muted grays and greens and with fine-grained charcoal pencil lines, Smith shows two sides to each -beast.- While bats might be viewed as -ugly,- they are also helpful -caretakers,- Gardner explains: -Many bats play an important role in the environment by controlling insect populations, eating as many as eight thousand mosquitoes a night.- Sharks have sharp teeth, but they are also guardians of the ecosystem. With cogent word choices, Gardner gently urges readers to see beyond first assumptions and to celebrate the wonder of biodiversity. Ages 4-8. (Sept.)