Crazy Creatures of the Animal Kingdom

Marsupials are mammals that have a pouch or a fold of skin called a marsupium in which their young are protected, carried, and nourished. Almost all species of marsupials live in Australia, although some species live on land and others live in trees. Young explorers will learn about the early stages of marsupials' life cycle and the habitats in which they live. Captivating photographs draw readers in and fun facts maintain their attention throughout this learning experience.

Albinism is a condition in which there's a lack of pigment in an animal's eyes, skin, scales, or feathers. This condition is genetically transmitted from parent to offspring. Albinism is found in nearly all animal species, including humans, snakes, and beetles. Readers will learn what causes albinism, the challenges albino animals face, and why these animals are so special. Fact boxes provide readers with supplementary information while color photographs capture readers' attention.

We can see birds perched on tree branches and deer in fields. However, many young readers may not know about the complex world beneath their feet. Some animals make short-term homes underground whereas others live underground all the time. Your readers will find examples of underground animals and learn why they live there. While some people think underground animals are pests, readers will learn that many of these animals help maintain Earth's crucial ecological balance. They'll want to burrow into this book and find out about underground animals.

Mimicry is when two or more animals that aren't closely related look, act, or sound similar. Mimicry is an adaptation that some species developed to keep them safe from predators. There are also cases in which mimicry deceives the mimic's prey or a partner within the mimic's own species. Inquisitive minds will learn about the different types of mimicry and find interesting and up-close examples of mimicry in the wild. Fun fact boxes provide additional information while a graphic organizer shows information on similarities and differences.

Camouflage is when an animal's coloring makes it hard for other organisms to tell where they are, what they are, or where they're moving. This helps keep the animals safe from predators and helps them sneak up on their prey. Your readers will learn about the different types of camouflage and encounter examples of each. A graphic organizer displays information in a way that allows readers to quickly and easily draw connections while bright photographs depict the various types of camouflage in the wild.

Just as knights in the Middle Ages wore armor to keep their bodies safe during battle, some animals have strong, hard coverings to keep their bodies safe from predators. Some animals have hard scales, shells, or thick skin that acts as armor. Your curious learners are introduced to the different types of armor that animals have and they'll encounter examples of each. Bright photographs grab readers' attention while a graphic organizer presents key information in one go-to place.