Overview
Prepare to be amazed by a collection of beasts such as the world has never seen. To track down these curious creatures, Professor Julius Duckworth O'Hare, Esq., the roving zoologist, traveled to the far corners of the globe. In this fascinating publication of his findings, the Professor commissioned the poetic talents of Kenyon Cox and the artistic powers of Wallace Edwards to bring his expedition to life in the form of an illustrated field guide. In these pages lurk bizarre beasts, such as the Bumblebeaver and the Rhinocerostrich, depicted in their natural environments. Readers possessing a sharp eye and an inquisitive nature will be rewarded with exotic flora and fauna hidden in each remarkable painting. So delay not, seekers of the strange and undiscovered. Step into the world of Mixed Beasts!Synopsis
Have you ever seen a Creampuffin? Or a Bumblebeaver? See these and other bizarre beasts in this fantastical field guide illustrated by award-winner Wallace Edwards.
Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D. - Children's Literature
Professor Julius Duckworth O'Hare, Esq., invites the reader to accompany him as he travels around the world in search of exotic beasts, such as the rhinocerostrich, a creature with the body of an ostrich and the head and feet of a rhinoceros. The verse informs the reader that he is not built for speed and he is no beauty. His strongest traits are wrath and greed. The octopussycat almost looks like a cat, except for its eight long furry arms. The bumblebeaver has the body of a bee, complete with small transparent wings. Its head, paws, and tail are that of a beaver. He can gather honey and make mud houses. The peanuthatch is part peanut, part bird. About a dozen such mixed up beasts are depicted in short verses with large, full color illustrations. Each picture includes Professor O'Hare, who appears to be a rabbit and additional strange and wondrous creatures that are not mentioned in the verses. These additional 32 animals are shown with appropriate captions near the end of the book. The last page reveals the truth about the professor. Totally imaginary and creative, this book promises to be a joy for children and adults alike. 2005, Kids Can Press, Ages 5 to 10.
Editorials
From the Publisher
This arresting book has lots of child appeal.In a finished, painterly style, Edwards places his often hilariously imagined subjects in elaborate settings.
Children's Literature
Professor Julius Duckworth O'Hare, Esq., invites the reader to accompany him as he travels around the world in search of exotic beasts, such as the rhinocerostrich, a creature with the body of an ostrich and the head and feet of a rhinoceros. The verse informs the reader that he is not built for speed and he is no beauty. His strongest traits are wrath and greed. The octopussycat almost looks like a cat, except for its eight long furry arms. The bumblebeaver has the body of a bee, complete with small transparent wings. Its head, paws, and tail are that of a beaver. He can gather honey and make mud houses. The peanuthatch is part peanut, part bird. About a dozen such mixed up beasts are depicted in short verses with large, full color illustrations. Each picture includes Professor O'Hare, who appears to be a rabbit and additional strange and wondrous creatures that are not mentioned in the verses. These additional 32 animals are shown with appropriate captions near the end of the book. The last page reveals the truth about the professor. Totally imaginary and creative, this book promises to be a joy for children and adults alike. 2005, Kids Can Press, Ages 5 to 10.—Phyllis Kennemer, Ph.D.