There are two animals that often sound like they're laughing, but it turns out their giggles can be deceiving. The spotted hyena - sometimes called the laughing hyena - makes a noise that sounds like a human cackle. Research has shown, however, that this "laugh" is simply a noise they produce when they're excited, frustrated, or afraid. "
And the other is the Australian kookaburra. It's song sounds like loud laughter. These are only two things you will learn as you pore over the many welcome and enlightening entries in this book. It is filled with the behaviors of creatures whose actions are eerily like many of the things that humans do.
Our narrator is a knowledgeable and verbose ant, whose constant conversation will entertain, inform and, at times, even annoy readers. That is its job! The ant is happy to be our guide through the wilds and to let us know that we are not that special (even if we think we are!).
The journey begins with that reminder, and moves on to talk about farming, education, laughter, death, construction, using tools, conversing, cleanliness, play, teamwork, travel, and ending with a plea for our help with protecting all of this world's creatures. On each double-page spread, the ant provides an introduction to the topic at hand. There follows a series of three short and informative paragraphs that describe those animals that can be compared to humans for their unique abilities. Those are followed by a statement concerning creatures that didn't make an appearance on the page.
"Other animals that mourn: wolves,
chimpanzees, bison, Atlantic spotted
dolphins, and giraffes."
Fascinating, and just what intrigued kids need to do further research.
Dave Whamond does an exceptional job of providing humor in his silly cartoons that depict a tree branch full of scrub jays singing a dirge for a dead jay, termites building a mound as tall as a giraffe and putting it up for sale, and cleaner shrimp in a dentist office flossing a fish's teeth.
The design is well-organized, accessible and inviting. The factual text is well-placed, and the repetition of page layout makes this book enjoyable for the young scientists this book is targeting. Adding that final note about other animals who share the same behaviors is inspired, and is sure to encourage further interest.
A glossary and a list for suggested reading follow.
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