How Animals Defend Themselves

Young readers will be excited to learn about how animals protect themselves from predators in this non-fiction Level 3 first reader.

Children's Literature

When animals sense danger, it is natural for them to defend themselves. From the sublime to the more unusual, animals have many methods of protection. The obvious defense would be that of hiding or running away. But what if you are too slow or trapped with no escape? For the antelope and the red fox, lack of speed is not a problem, but for many animals, other methods of protection prove to be very convincing lines of defense. Some animals, like the toad, put on a show, changing their appearance to look dangerous. Others camouflage their bodies to hide and blend with the natural surroundings. Still yet, the box turtle and armadillo use their protective shells to avoid harm. Although often strange, these techniques assist many animals in survival. Forest, sea, and tropical animal defense mechanisms are discussed here. Lifelike illustrations of each animal, as well as a table of contents and an index are included. Adapted from Animal Defenses (1999). A Level 3 book in the " Kids Can Read" series.

Award-winning author and teacher Etta Kaner enjoys writing nonfiction for both children and adults. Her books include Animals Migrating, Animal Talk , Animal Groups and other titles in the Animal Behavior series, as well as four titles in the Kids Can Read series. She is also author of the Exploring the Elements and Have You Ever Seen series. She lives in Toronto.

Pat Stephens, mother, animal lover and artist, lives in a crowded house in Durham, Ontario. She has illustrated over 20 animal - related books for children.