Animal Tails

October 1, 2011

Gr 1-3-Fielding describes how tails work for elephants, kangaroos, primates, cats, squirrels, chameleons, lizards, snakes, birds, whales, stingrays, and caterpillars. More than 13 styles of tails, such as scaly, stinging, and spraying, are paired with various functions performed by these animals. For example, both the male and female kangaroos use their tails for balancing while they jump, but the female uses it to offset the weight of her joey nestled in her pouch and the male uses his to stabilize himself while fighting other males. The full-color photography is quite bright, clear, and eye-catching, but doesn't always align with the text. For example, the text states that "Many chameleons use their tails like an extra hand or foot to help them hang on to branches while they climb or hunt" yet the photos do not reflect that usage. An appended "Tail Talk" section adds snippets about many more creatures such as fish, opossums, seahorses, and rats. A visually appeal and interesting introduction.-Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA

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