Animals Nobody Loves
Animals Nobody Loves
Select a format:
Perma-Bound Edition ©2001--
Paperback ©2001--
To purchase this item, you must first login or register for a new account.
Chronicle Books
Annotation: Simon presents 20 short essays on a wide variety of animals.
Genre: [Biology]
 
Reviews: 5
Catalog Number: #4558650
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Chronicle Books
Copyright Date: 2001
Edition Date: 2012 Release Date: 07/01/02
Pages: 46 pages
ISBN: 1-587-17155-4
ISBN 13: 978-1-587-17155-0
Dewey: 591.6
Dimensions: 27 cm.
Language: English
Reviews:
ALA Booklist (Thu Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2001)

The photos (and even the text) won't do much to change the reputation of animals such as the vulture and the rat, but there's no denying they'll draw a crowd and a chorus of Gross. The pictures are fine, large, and in full color, as fascinating as they are repulsive and scary: the yawning jaws of a shark; a hyena consuming bloody food; a wasp enlarged bigger than a human fist, stinging a grasshopper. Simon puts forward some interesting facts and dispels a few myths about these 20 unlovable subjects, but report writers won't find enough material here, nor are there notes to lead curious kids on to more information. There's no question this will look great on display, but it will serve kids best when it's presented with more fact-rich natural histories.

Horn Book

Simon examines myths and mistaken assumptions about twenty allegedly maligned animals (e.g., sharks, bats, hyenas, cockroaches) and supplies corrective facts. Each double-page spread features a dramatic animal photo and a brief profile, though little or no information about geographic ranges is provided. Simon's text is clear and concise; the book's design is inviting.

Kirkus Reviews

Prolific science-writer Simon provides a brief portrait of 24 animals he says nobody loves, noting in his introduction: "You may never love a rattlesnake, a cockroach, or an octopus—but this book may help you begin to understand and respect them for what they are." Included are the shark, bat, grizzly bear, cobra, spider, cockroach, piranha, and 14 other animals. Each gets a double-paged spread and a glossy, full-color photograph. The text provides odd facts and brief information, though without sources. For example, "In India, alone, cobras are reported to kill thousands of people each year, more than sharks all over the world do in fifty years." Or in discussing the vulture's powerful eyesight: "They can sometimes spot a dying animal forty miles away." Sometimes he gives advice: "If the bear is close or does see you, remain calm. Do not run. Instead, stand tall or back away slowly and wave your hands and speak loudly." Despite his introduction, Simon seldom notes the value of these disliked animals. For example, vultures and hyenas are extremely useful decomposers. While the eyeballs-to-eyeballs cover of a tarantula in full color will keep readers reaching for the title, it is useful for browsing rather than research. No index or sources. (Nonfiction. 10-12)

Reviewing Agencies: - Find Other Reviewed Titles
ALA Booklist (Thu Mar 01 00:00:00 CST 2001)
Horn Book
ILA Teacher's Choice Award
Kirkus Reviews
Science Books and Films
Word Count: 3,274
Reading Level: 5.0
Interest Level: K-3
Accelerated Reader: reading level: 5.0 / points: 0.5 / quiz: 51248 / grade: Middle Grades
Reading Counts!: reading level:4.9 / points:3.0 / quiz:Q32477
Lexile: IG860L
Guided Reading Level: Q

In 26 giant photographs-of a roaring grizzly, a piranhas razor-sharp teeth, a rattlesnakes poisonous fangs- Seymour Simon reveals the truth about nature's most misunderstood animals and lets the reader decide what to really think about natures grossest, fiercest, and most fascinating survivors.

In 26 giant photographs-of a roaring grizzly, a piranhas razor-sharp teeth, a rattlesnakes poisonous fangs- Seymour Simon reveals the truth about nature's most misunderstood animals and lets the reader decide what to really think about natures grossest, fiercest, and most fascinating survivors.


*Prices subject to change without notice and listed in US dollars.
Perma-Bound bindings are unconditionally guaranteed (excludes textbook rebinding).
Paperbacks are not guaranteed.
Please Note: All Digital Material Sales Final.