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Friday, August 6, 2021

Masters of Disguise: Camouflaging Creatures and Magnificent Mimics, written and illustrated by Marc Martin. Candlewick Studio, Penguin Random House. 2021. $24.99 ages 3 and up

 


"Hanging Out 

Sloths are arboreal animals, meaning they 
spend nearly all their time in trees, gripping 
branches with the help of their long, powerful
claws. They descend to the ground only to 
find a mate, establish new territory, or poop
(which they do only once a week!)
"

This is a terrific book for kids and adults who love a challenge, while learning more about the natural world. A dozen animals are presented, in full-color, textured artwork using watercolor, pencil and digital collage. The illustrations immerse readers in an interactive search for each of the featured animals, whose homes are found on every continent but Antarctica. A world map on the endpapers provide context for each. 

A double-page spread introduces each one, with clearly-captioned information and illustrations that describe their many distinct features. A turn of the page hides them in their fully-realized habitat. The author notes some of the other animals that live alongside them, and then offers a counting challenge to find them all. 

"Slothful Swaying

Three-toed sloths spend most of 
their time suspended in the treetops
among birds like the hyacinth macaw, 
red-and-green macaw, plum-throated 
cotinga, and oropendola. Can you spot
all twelve sloths in this rain forest?
"

That sent me looking to read a description of the plum-throated cotinga and an oropendola. As well as that, I will admit that a few of the spreads had me looking more than once. My granddaughters who have a great love for learning about animals will be much better at discovery than I am. They will be delighted to help, I'm sure. Scientifically accurate, conversational in tone, and enhanced with the luxuriant beauty of, the Earth's diverse habitats, this is a book to be savored through many readings. 


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