A colorful, information-packed guide created from a trusted publisher in the science world.Vivid and jammed with information, this resource is suitable for browsing by the many children who are fascinated with animals. Young readers will enjoy perusing this book for the high-quality colorful photographs scattered throughout as much as for the data, and the lively, exciting format will appeal even to struggling and reluctant readers. Each two-page spread includes tidbits about a different topic roughly organized by theme, some of which focus on a specific type of animal, while others are broader in scope. Sections include "100 Swimmingly Fun Facts About Marine Mammals," "35 Facts About Glorious Gorillas," and "50 Towering Facts About Giant Prehistoric Animals." Diverse locations from the Himalaya to the Galápagos Islands and the Serengeti are featured. Pets starring on social media, animals used as sports mascots, and record-holding animals are included. The layout is varied: Some pages feature small chunks of data separated into individual boxes, others use a list format, and occasionally there is a spread that is predominantly text, with individual facts printed in alternating colors. Due to the brevity of each factoid, this is a work well suited for trivia buffs and casual explorers that will require further reading and research by those who wish to delve deeper into anything of interest.Lively and full of interest. (photo credits, index) (Nonfiction. 9-12)

Gr 3–6— Each of the 5,000 facts shared in this book is awesome, just as advertised in the title. The coverage is extensive, including wildlife of every kind, addressing habitat, diet, reproduction, physical features, and much more. The spreads are well-designed eye candy taken from a multitude of photo collections. To reach the purported 5,000 facts, tidbits are jam-packed into the pages. The design is meant to break up the lists of facts, with sentences in bubbles or shapes. There are also spreads dedicated to 100 facts each, presented in alternating colors, one on top of the other. These self-contained spreads feature facts about a general subject, such as "100 splashy facts about wetland animals," but otherwise, each bit of information has nothing to do with the item before or after. Though the one-sentence facts are indeed "awesome," this format is not conducive to learning, retaining knowledge, or enjoyment. Back matter consists of an extensive index. VERDICT Despite the pleasant appearance, this format is too onerous for purchase.— Nancy Call