Wild Style

September 1, 2020

PreS-Gr 3-Grodzicki examines how animals protect themselves from predators and thrive in their environment. The book emphasizes the "wild" factor in both words and illustrations. There are a wide variety of adaptations. The sponge crab is described as having a "yucky taste"; an assassin bug "carries a heap of dead ants" whose insides it has first sucked out; and a golden tortoise beetle larva carries a "stinky umbrella," which includes fecal matter attached to its spine called an anal fork. The book's concept relies on the "ick" factor. Explanations of these animal features are reinforced by bright print and bold illustrations. Back matter provides "wild facts" about the "cool creatures" detailed in the book. VERDICT A possible supplement to animal studies. Educators and caretakers should read the book first before sharing so that they are ready for responses to some of the more unsavory animal attributes such as the beetle's "poop umbrella."-Myra Zarnowski, City Univ. of New York

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

June 15, 2020
Eleven wild creatures model mud, oil, dead ants, poop, and other fashion-forward accessories. Though the conceit has at least as much promise as that of her I See Sea Food: Sea Creatures That Look Like Food (2019), Grodzicki shows an odd reluctance to own it. She characterizes both the iron-rich muck that bearded vultures rub into their feathers and the anal-gland oil that flamingos rub into theirs to make them even more "Pretty in Pink" as actual adornment. However, she contradicts her own language to note that wild boars aren't wallowing in "muddy body paint" to "make a fashion statement," and even after heading an entry "BLING! BLING!" she explains that the pile of "jewelry" (i.e. bits of plant and animal debris) that lacewing larvae carry around for protection "isn't sparkly or flashy." Overall the author's comments about how various found or excreted substances play roles in predation, defense, or attracting a mate (just like with people, not that she makes that connection) are spot-on, and the big, sharply focused, close-up stock photos will be a strong draw. But the ready way she abandons her premise muddles the presentation and will likely leave readers feeling confused or let down. Steer young naturalists first to the similar but more bounteous Creature Features: 25 Animals Explain Why They Look the Way They Do by Steve Jenkins and Robin Page (2014). (This book was reviewed digitally with 9.75-by-19.5-inch double-page spreads viewed at 58% of actual size.) Sashays down the runway but fails to make any lasting impression. (summary fact boxes, glossary) (Informational picture book. 7-9)

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