Bold and Bright Black-And-White Animals - Hardcover

Ages 5^-8. Vigorous and striking, this picture book demands the same kind of attention that the animals themselves do in their natural settings. Why, indeed, are some animals black and white? There's no black-and-white answer, so to speak, but scientists have their theories, and Patent explains briefly what they are. Some animals, such as the striped skunk, the sea snake, and the marbled salamander, are black and white to make them stand out as a means of scaring away predators. On the other hand, the Adelie penguin's color acts as camouflage. Zebras, when seen in a galloping herd, bedazzle an onlooking lion to the extent that it can't select one animal to chase. The Borneo crab spider is actually just a little black spider, but it disguises itself with white silk to look like a bird dropping--apparently a delicacy for butterflies--to lure its butterfly prey. There is so much to enjoy and learn in this beautiful book, and the illustrations vividly capture the wonder of the animals. It's a standout and an outstanding book. Shelley Townsend-Hudson

Kindergarten-Grade 4-In this visually appealing picture book, Patent briefly describes animals with distinctive black-and-white patterns and gives the advantages those patterns provide. The stripes of zebras hide them in a dizzying herd, making it hard for lions to pick out one to chase. Killer whales use their different markings to recognize family members. Marbled salamanders' distinctive decorations help predators remember their bad taste and avoid them. Each two-page spread is devoted to one animal. The realistic paintings are bold and bright, showing off the interesting creatures in their habitats. This book will not be useful for reports because of its limited focus and brief text, but primary grade teachers might find it a helpful read-aloud to introduce animal adaptations to habitat. It will also appeal to fans of animal nonfiction. An entertaining book that will heighten appreciation for the amazing variety of black-and-white animals.
Adele Greenlee, Bethel College, St. Paul, MN
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.