Like No Other: Earth's Coolest One-Of-A-KInd Creatures. Written by Sneed B. Collard III and illustrated by Christopher Silas Neal. Kane Press, Astra. Penguin Random House, 2024. $24.99 ages 7 and up

 

"* Oilbird pairs build platform nests inside 
caves. One cave in Venezuela holds between 
ten and eighteen thousand oilbirds!  

* Oilbirds eat only fruit. The birds locate food 
by sight and smell in the forest at night. 

*Oilbirds have some of the most sensitive eyes
of any animals. Like bats, they also use echolocation
to find their way in the dark. They make sounds 
and listen to where the echoes come from to detect 
objects around them." 

Thirteen animals are presented here. Many are rare or endangered, and all are monotypic. They have no close relatives. Most names were familiar; however, I found I knew little about them and was intrigued by the information shared. This is a book that will find fans in those kids who love to learn about rare species whose features are unique and fascinating. 

The double-page spreads follow the same design throughout: the name, an introductory statement, and a series of bulleted facts that explain for readers the features that make each unusual and worthy of study. Height, weight and lifespan are listed to complete the information presented. Each entry is accompanied by close-up, mixed media artwork done in full-color and placed in a realistic and detailed setting.  

The last creatures described are humans, in points that share evolutionary changes as well as what makes us our own species. We are different because of our big brains and language ability. Average height, weight and lifespan are added. 

The author invites readers to consider the best ways to help save these monotypic creatures while also making our world a better place for all who live here. He encourages being an animal scientist by taking a close and thoughtful look at an illustrated forest scene, using the knowledge we have and what more we can learn to answer the questions posed. He finishes with short sections on figuring out relatives, some questions to answer, one-of-a-kind words to know, researching, learning more through provided websites. The final spread offers a world map and a list of other one-of-a-kind creatures. There is no end to the learning.