Feathery Facts

Chermayeff's (Fishy Facts; Furry Facts) signature style-featuring bold cut-outs and saturated colors-and a well-honed text are certain to kindle tired imaginations. Youngsters who think birds and reptiles lack charisma should consider these particulars: jackdaws ""like to hide shiny objects, especially in their nests""; glass snakes ""break off sections of their tails and slip away when they are in danger""; sea turtles can swim as fast as 20 miles per hour. Other curiosities include the Australian blue-tongued skink, the frilled lizard, the African pancake tortoise, the accordion-necked matamata. The illustrations are gripping and humorous; their strength lies in their isolation of a single, intriguing aspect of each represented creature. Both volumes are equally entertaining and informative-after reading one, youngsters as well as adults will beg for the other. Ages 2-6. (Mar.)