Reviewed By Terri Schlichenmeyer
Every morning before school, your mom or
dad probably checks the weather so they can
make sure you dress to stay comfortable. You
might put on a sweater today or maybe you’ll
grab something to make you feel cooler.
Imagine what you’d do if you were a polar bear in Alaska or a lizard in the desert or a frog
in a freezing forest. You’ll find out about those creatures and more when you read
Extreme Animals: The Toughest Creatures on Earth by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Neal
Layton.
When it gets really chilly outside, you have to put on something to keep your body from
getting cold. When it gets too hot, you have to go in a pool or inside where there’s air
conditioning. But animals don’t have that option. I mean, have you ever seen a penguin
with a parka?
Because there’s life almost everywhere on Earth, animals have adapted to live in their
climates. Take polar bears, for example. They do so well at keeping comfy in sub-zero
weather that scientists using heat-sensitive cameras sometimes can’t find them. The
bears’ body heat is locked in tight by their fur, so the only things scientists see are the
parts not covered in fur — the polar bear noses!
Being a bird in cold weather isn’t easy, either, so your feathered friends have ways to stay
comfortable. Penguins huddle together just like your favorite football team, and the group
constantly shifts to keep the outside birds from freezing. Small birds huddle together and
some make pyramids to keep warm.
On the other hand, there are places where it gets hot. Very hot. In those climates, the
creatures that live there adapt not only to heat, but oftentimes to lack of water. Consider
the poor camel. Where he lives, it gets hot-hot-hot during the day but it can get pretty chilly
at night, so camels’ blood has a special way of cooling their brains so they don’t get sick
and die. By the way, it’s not wise to shave your camel. The fur works as insulation to keep
the heat out.
There are animals that can live underwater in places that would crush you if you dared to
visit them. There are animals that can be put in a blender without killing them (they’ll
actually re-form!) and there are animals that can go months without food and water. See,
you’re not as tough as you think you are!
Is there a kid in your life who has “WHY?” frequently on his lips? Then Extreme Animals
is a book you’ll want to have around. Although I thought Neal Layton’s illustrations were a
little babyish for this book, author Nicola Davies doesn’t pander to poor readers. The
language is a little advanced for all but the best third grade readers but older kids
shouldn’t have much of a problem understanding this fascinating book.
If your child is hot to find out about life on Earth, get a copy of Extreme Animals: The
Toughest Creatures on Earth. For curious readers, this book is extremely cool.
in a freezing forest. You’ll find out about those creatures and more when you read
Extreme Animals: The Toughest Creatures on Earth by Nicola Davies, illustrated by Neal
Layton.
When it gets really chilly outside, you have to put on something to keep your body from
getting cold. When it gets too hot, you have to go in a pool or inside where there’s air
conditioning. But animals don’t have that option. I mean, have you ever seen a penguin
with a parka?
Because there’s life almost everywhere on Earth, animals have adapted to live in their
climates. Take polar bears, for example. They do so well at keeping comfy in sub-zero
weather that scientists using heat-sensitive cameras sometimes can’t find them. The
bears’ body heat is locked in tight by their fur, so the only things scientists see are the
parts not covered in fur — the polar bear noses!
Being a bird in cold weather isn’t easy, either, so your feathered friends have ways to stay
comfortable. Penguins huddle together just like your favorite football team, and the group
constantly shifts to keep the outside birds from freezing. Small birds huddle together and
some make pyramids to keep warm.
On the other hand, there are places where it gets hot. Very hot. In those climates, the
creatures that live there adapt not only to heat, but oftentimes to lack of water. Consider
the poor camel. Where he lives, it gets hot-hot-hot during the day but it can get pretty chilly
at night, so camels’ blood has a special way of cooling their brains so they don’t get sick
and die. By the way, it’s not wise to shave your camel. The fur works as insulation to keep
the heat out.
There are animals that can live underwater in places that would crush you if you dared to
visit them. There are animals that can be put in a blender without killing them (they’ll
actually re-form!) and there are animals that can go months without food and water. See,
you’re not as tough as you think you are!
Is there a kid in your life who has “WHY?” frequently on his lips? Then Extreme Animals
is a book you’ll want to have around. Although I thought Neal Layton’s illustrations were a
little babyish for this book, author Nicola Davies doesn’t pander to poor readers. The
language is a little advanced for all but the best third grade readers but older kids
shouldn’t have much of a problem understanding this fascinating book.
If your child is hot to find out about life on Earth, get a copy of Extreme Animals: The
Toughest Creatures on Earth. For curious readers, this book is extremely cool.
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