Animals Nobody Loves

In 26 giant photographs-of a roaring grizzly, a piranha s razor-sharp teeth, a rattlesnake s poisonous fangs- Seymour Simon reveals the truth about nature s most misunderstood animals and lets the reader decide what to really think about nature s grossest, fiercest, and most fascinating survivors.

Children's Literature

In an introduction to twenty animals with bad reputations, Seymour Simon asks readers to examine our prejudices and biases. You may never love a rattlesnake or a cockroach but perhaps you can understand and appreciate them for what they are. Simon's short takes on bats, octopuses, spiders, hyenas, fire ants and the like consist of two or three paragraphs about appearances, behaviors, habitats, reasons for the bad reputations and some facts or anecdotes. Simon does not follow any format but comments about aspects that interest him, which provides the reader with interesting facts but not enough information for use in report writing. Photographs are dramatic and appropriately gory when discussing buzzards or hyenas, for instance, and are clear in color and well focused. Occasionally one wishes for a label—is that a black widow spider or some other? What kind of bat is it that can carry off a mouse? These quibbles aside, Simon's book will feed some fears and allay others—yes, piranhas can strip a body in seconds, says Simon—and may spur children to seek further information. There is no index or endmatter to support the learner but the ending question asks readers if they've changed their minds about any animals as a result of this information and why—a good discussion starter and one worthy of continued consideration. 2001, SeaStar Books, $15.95 and $15.88. Ages 8 to 10. Reviewer: Susan Hepler

Seymour Simon the author of over 200 science books for children. More than half of his books have been named Outstanding Science Trade Books for Children by the National Science Teachers Association. He lives in Great Neck, New York.