Wonders of Nature: Explorations in the World of Birds, Insects, and Fish

In this oversize animal compendium, subjects are organized by distinctive physical and behavioral characteristics. Bird groups include those with “beautiful plumage,” “useful beaks,” and “long necks.” Insects also have descriptive monikers: the Peacock Katydid and Dead Leaf Mantis are “bizarre ones,” while colorful fish have “high fashion scales.” Guiraud’s anatomically detailed illustrations have a more expressive side: birds and insects wear mindful, sly expressions, and a blue-ringed octopus with humanlike eyes dramatically displays its ornate tentacles. Informative prose communicates ideas about evolution and adaptation, animal behavior, and habitats. There is order and symmetry to be found in nature, Guiraud seems to suggest, but that makes it no less wild and wonderful. Ages 5–9. [em](Oct.) [/em]