"Gross CHIPMUNKS?! You bet. When they encounter a dead snake, these chipmunks are known to gnaw on its flesh, then rub it onto their own bodies. Sometimes they even roll in the snake's pee. Why? If you smell like a dangerous snake, predators will keep their distance."
That is only one of the many fascinating facts Jess Keating shares in this newest book in her The World of Weird Animals series. If your kids or students read one or all of the previous books in this collection, they will be aching to get their hands and eyes on this one, too.
Gross! How many kids are appalled and delighted to read about animals that are cringe-worthy in their behaviors? This one has real EWWW! appeal for them, as they learn about 17 creatures that definitely meet that particular criteria. Just hearing their names is enough to make readers cringe: snot otter, zombie worm, dumpy tree frog, maggot, hagfish, star-nosed mole, Spanish ribbed newt, Surinam toad, caecilian, dung beetle, and sea cucumber. A few surprises are included: giraffe, Siberian chipmunk, parrotfish, marabou stork, fulmar, and herring. Once you have read the entries for each and every one, you will totally understand why they are included in this welcome addition to the captivating series.
"The name FULMAR means "foul gull" and this animal certainly lives up to the term. When hreatened by other birds, fulmar chicks will projectile-vomit a sticky, oily substance onto their attackers. Not only does this oil smell horrible, it sticks to feathers and makes it difficult to fly."
Nasty little ones! Disgusting, yes! Their survival depends on those traits that make others turn away. The book is also appealing for those who love to learn about 'gross' things and to share the tidbits they pick up at opportune moments.
For those who have read the previous titles, the design is familiar: a clear photograph on the verso, faced by a page of information on the recto that includes an introductory paragraph, a splash information box, and a list at the outer edge that adds name, species names, size, diet, habitat, predators and threats.
Back matter offers an explanation concerning why certain things disgust us, and how those feelings might change over time. A glossary helps with new vocabulary.
If you haven't seen the other books in the series, check for them at the library or bookstore: Pink Is For Blowfish, Cute As an Axolotl, and What Makes A Monster?
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