"I'll tell you a secret: I am the only primate
in the whole world that is venomous! If I
feel scared or threatened, I release a toxic
oil from special glands on my upper arms.
When I lick it up, it mixes with my saliva
to make a potent venom. Then I can deliver
a nasty, painful, and sometimes even
deadly bite."
There was so much I did not know about the loris. Granted, I will not likely meet one since they live in southeast Asia and some parts of Africa. Nonetheless, I know more today than I did yesterday. That is what I appreciate about the Roccos' Meet the Wild Things series. This is the sixth in the series which includes the sloth, pangolin, quokka, axolotl and toucan. I have learned a lot about these animals, mostly unfamiliar to me.
The first-person narrative and conversational style of the writing, and the realistic images of both animal and setting have made these books fan favorites for kids who love animals and want to know more about them. The familiar design and opportunity to answer questions asked rewards their interest and ups the learning for all.
All animals included in the series are endangered species. If we want kids to care for the environment and the loss of many of nature's animals, it is imperative to provide them with books that pique their interest and offer ways to help animals in peril.
Let me offer just a few things I learned about this pygmy loris, whose beseeching eyes look straight at the child reading this book. It is nocturnal, which explains the need for big eyes that help it see at night. It is a primate, just as humans are. It helps trees in many ways. It is endangered because of habitat loss. It does not like to be frightened, and needs its own space. Do you feel that way sometimes?
In back matter, Ms. Rocco adds a bulleted list of other facts about the loris, an explanation for why it is endangered, and a list of organizations that are working to help them.
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