Each book begins with a predator-versus-prey anecdote describing the featured animal's means of self-protection. Though defenses are the focus, standard animal facts (habitat, diet, young) are also covered. The short sentences of main text, accompanied by large and vibrant photographs, are easy to read; sidebars are a little less accessible to the intended emergent reader audience. Reading list. Glos., ind.

GOLDISH, Meish . Disgusting Hagfish ISBN 978-1-59716-719-2 . LC 2008008624. HOURAN, Lori Haskins . Bloody Horned Lizards ISBN 978-1-59716-717-8 . LC 2008016048. NICHOLS, Catherine . Prickly Porcupines ISBN 978-1-59716-721-5 . LC 2008009369. NICHOLS, Catherine . Smelly Skunks map. ISBN 978-1-59716-716-1 . LC 2008004816. NICHOLS, Catherine . Tricky Opossums ISBN 978-1-59716-718-5 . LC 2008005942. ea vol: 24p. (Gross-out Defenses Series). map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Bearport 2008. PLB $21.28. Gr 2-3 The stars of the show, at least when it comes to browser appeal, these titles focus on different defensive strategies highlighted in vivid, often gloriously repulsive photos. Leading the way is the hagfish, with its ability to generate clouds of thick, gill- and nose-clogging slime, but, as seen in a spectacular stop-motion image, the horned lizard can squirt blood out of its eye sockets, and a shot of a dog sporting a face full of porcupine quills will have even cynical viewers wincing. Each volume includes a species range map and lively text presented in well-spaced single sentences. Expect plenty of delighted ewwwwws and shouts of gross!