Aye-Aye: An Evil Omen

For hundreds of years, a mysterious creature called the aye-aye struck fear into the hearts of people on the island of Madagascar. According to legend, if someone saw this odd-looking animal, a person would soon die. As a result, these small creatures were killed to prevent them from causing harm. Unfortunately, little was really known about the aye-aye. Scientist Eleanor Sterling wanted to change that. In the 1980s, she traveled to Madagascar to study these rare animals. Would she finally discover the truth about this mysterious and misunderstood creature?

Children's Literature

A scary-looking Aye Aye graces the cover of this informative and entertaining book from the "Uncommon Animals" series and a two page "hook" entices readers to learn more. The attention-grabbing hook paints a picture of a "shadowy figure" with fingers that are long and bony, as it introduces the rare creature known as an Aye Aye. In the material that follows, readers discover how two scientists learned about the Aye Aye, discovered that it is a type of lemur, and how some people look at the Aye Aye as an evil omen. Twelve two-page spreads contain large print, limited text, and dazzling photos of the Aye Aye in its natural environment. The bright photos are enriched with captions, and side bars are spread throughout the text. Some interesting facts in the organized material inform readers that an Aye Ayes is nocturnal, it can travel up to three miles in one night, and it has long teeth like rodents. In addition, it has a special third finger that is thinner than its other fingers that can be used to get food much like a tool would be used. This book will enhance science and social studies lessons, including those dealing with endangered or threatened species. A fact page, page about more uncommon animals, glossary, resources, and an index follow the main body of text. Reviewer: Nancy Garhan Attebury