"WILD FACT
Young octopuses remain near the water's
surface after they're born and feed on
plankton. As they grow, they can descend
to deeper areas and begin to feed on
crustaceans, mollusks, and fish."
The table of contents makes it clear to readers that there are 25 animals included here, and each is given a two-page spread to be sure that those who share this book will get the information they need about each one and the miracle of birth that makes them parents. The animals are as diverse as the ways in which they give birth to their babies.
I went straight to page 36 to see all I did not know about the armadillo. It was not surprising to find I had no idea. In two short paragraphs, I learned that a mother armadillo can put a 'pause' on her pregnancy to wait for better weather when food will be more available, and the chances of her babies surviving are much better. 'When she's ready, gestation begins.' After four months, she will always birth identical quadruplets. Here's the WILD FACT added to the information already provided.
"When an armadillo is a baby, it's pink, and when it grows up,
it turns brown. That's an easy way to tell a baby from a grown-up!"
Who knew? After reading this entertaining and very informative book, I know much more than I previously did. As these entries prove, the cycle of life is a most amazing thing! The pattern for presentation is consistent throughout; the text is casual and easy to understand, the cartoon-style illustrations add to the fun, and the WILD FACT boxes are fascinating. Once a child has read the book, they will have much to share with friends and family. The variations in reproduction are quite astonishing. Back matter shows a map for gestation times, beginning with cuckoo birds who give birth in 14 days, and ending with the Alpine salamander who takes up to 1,095 days (36 months). There is also a glossary of words that may be unfamiliar.
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