Encyclopedia of animals by Tomas Tuma

The Encyclopedia of Animals is another tall hardcover book in this For Younger Readers series. Set out under the following main headings of Mammals, Birds, Fish, Amphibians, Reptiles, Invertebrates, the information is then separated into minor headings. Each category has a simple labelled illustration of why an animal belongs in the group and then further interesting facts are shared. For example, a hippopotamus is a mammal and also an ungulate because it has hoofs giving it the ability to travel long distances looking for plants as a food source.

Fish is divided in two categories: general and cartilaginous. Some cartilaginous fish include the Great White shark, Manta ray and Smalltooth sawfish. Amphibians excrete slime from their skin and include the Poison Dart frog whose dazzling colour warns predators of its poisonous skin. Reptiles are divided into a general section and then snakes, tortoise and lizards. The Tokay gecko males make a sound that resembles barking and the Red-eared slider turtle has a red stripe on its neck.

As with the other two books in this series, the information is easily accessible, interesting and accompanied by colourful, well drawn images.

Themes: Animals, Characteristics, Facts, Habitats.

Kathryn Beilby