Book Description

For many years the scientific and educational community has wondered and worried about the possibility that semi-sane scholar-pretenders would find the means to put out a series of reference books, filled with ludicrous misinformation and aimed at children.

So here we are with GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! by Dr. and Mr. Doris Haggis-On-Whey. A world-renowned and much feared expert on everything, Dr. Doris Haggis-On-Whey has seventeen degrees from eighteen institutions of higher learning. With her husband, Benny, she has traveled the world many times over, has learned about all aspects of life, including outer space and food, first hand.

When is the last time you actually sat down and had a conversation with a giraffe? That's what I thought. You are hopelessly clueless on giraffe culture, their likes/dislikes and voting patterns -- most giraffes are probably libertarian. GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! is the authoritative text on the biology, history and overall nature of giraffes.

You are so behind on giraffes that it's rather embarrassing and you obviously need this book more than health insurance. Things you probably don't know about giraffes -- and can only be found in this book -- include giraffes' preferred mode of transportation (conveyor belt), what their bodies are made of (paper mache, a clock, fruit juices and a super-strong lightweight titanium alloy), where most giraffes live (Terra Haute, Indiana -- known for many things, including buildings made of wood and ground made of dirt), and basic giraffe history (in 50,000 B.C giraffes began to hang out with primitive man, they found him to be likeable and helped him paint buffaloes in caves).

Cheat Sheet on Giraffes (good for slumber parties and barroom brawls):

• Giraffes invented plastic. "No, not plastic--latex. My bad. Still, though isn't that amazing?"

• Frequently Asked Question: Why do we call giraffes "giraffes?" Answer: Because when they came to Earth they asked us to.

• Rarely Asked Question: How fast can giraffes run? The giraffes have tried to phase out running from their lives but if they had to, they could still run much faster than you. Let's say, for the sake of argument, that they can run 780 mph.

With the wit and irreverent sense of humor for which Dave Eggers and McSweeney's is known, comes the first volume in the revolutionary Haggis-On-Whey World of Unbelievable Brilliance books. More than just entertaining and informative, GIRAFFES? GIRAFFES! will help you appear smarter, more in touch with your sensitive side and whiten your teeth. And much, much more that will likely sicken you. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

BIG, BEAUTIFUL & BIZARRE!
Do you like nonsequitors? Do you enjoy insanity? Are you comfortable living in a permanent state of confusion and/or Terre Haute, IN? Have you ever secretly been attracted to a giraffe? Are you wearing a yellow sweater?

You don't? You aren't? You haven't? Oh, well. Then fine, be that way.

But if you answered "yes" to any of the above, check out "Giraffes? Giraffes!" Good book!

WOW
This is one of the best books i have ever read! It is so unbelivably random and funny. It is just great! I advice everyone to read this great book. The randomness is hillariously funny!!! When I read it i couldn't contain my laughter. If you are looking for a fun book about random things this is your best bet! 5 stars all the way! ... Read more

Book Description

Irresistible to the very young, these delightful new novelty books feature young children's favorite animals with different tactile patches to feel and explore. Simple text and bright pictures provide talking points for parent and child. These sturdy books are perfect for little hands to hold and feel, over and over again. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Hopefully the lion won't got bald from all of the touching..
My 4-month-old loves this book. She expecially loves the lion's long fur. She grabs it and will hold on for a long time. Needless to say, we spend most of our time on the lion page! But the other animals are neat too; a bumpy lizard, a smooth dolphin, a frog with sticky pads on its fingers, etc. This is a nice book to share with your child.

My son loves this book!
This book has the greatest variety of different touch sensations that I have seen anywhere. My 2 year old son received this for Christmas last year and it has been his favorite. The sticky tree frog was the best page for him. It did lose the stickiness quickly, but I found an adhesive at a craft store that was specifically for tackiness. I just put it on the spots whenever they wear out and then we have weeks of fun again.

Beautiful photos and unique textures
All of the DK (publisher) books have gorgeous photographs, and this one is no exception. The photos are sharp and bright and the animals are highlighted against a white background, which makes them look like they are about to jump off the page. The textures in this book are really unique too. So many of the touch and feel books have all the same textures (fur, sandpaper, etc). This book has really unique and interesting textures (e.g. a cool, rubbery, soft, smooth surface for the dolphin - it really feels like the skin of sea mammals I have touched; and a bumpy shiny surface for the lizard skin). My 14 month old daughter really enjoys feeling all the different textures and "reading" this book to herself. Highly recommended.

A great hands on book!
Well, as a mom of a now-16 month old, I have to say that the "Touch and Feel" guys have "Pat the bunny" beat hands down. My son loves the diverse textures of this one and at a time when he rarely sits still for an entire book, we go through this one several times before he moves on. I love the diverse animals and the large "touching" sections. My only complaint is that the sticky patches for the tree frog lost their stickiness in about a week. Just proves that it is well loved already!

Wonderful Baby to Toddler Book
My 11-month old daughter can't get enough of this book and the "Touch and Feel" series. We started reading them to her when she was less than 6 months old because we thought she would enjoy the different textures. Not only does she still love touching the various textures, but she grabs the books and hands them to us so we read them to her over and over again. Nice short phrases on each page, beautiful pictures, cool textures, and very durable construction. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

I LOVE THESE GUIDES!!!
I am completely delighted with "The Little Guides" series. The format is extremely user friendly, and each guide is packed with useful and interesting information. I enjoy reading them, but my 6 year old daughter gives them the most use. While the guides are written at an adult level, there is plenty that she can read and understand. I currently own "Sharks," "Birds," "Mammals," "Space," "Whales," and "Flowers."

"Mammals" contains two parts; the first part gives an overview of the world of mammals, comparing the different characteristics (eyes, ears, feet, etc.) of mammals. Part two is packed with illustrations (over 500) and information about the rich variety of mammals that live on the earth. Each entry contains information about the animal characteristics, food, young, habitat, as well as close relatives.

This guide is packed with useful information, and is a great resource of adults as well as children!

FROM AARDVARKS TO ZEBRAS
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If your kids enjoy the nature programs on cable TV, they'll love this book.

Beautifully and accurately illustrated, the accompanying text is authoritative and educational. Just as importantly (if books are to compete with TV) it is also very entertaining.

The layout of "Mammals" follows the zoological classifications of the various "Orders" such as carnivores and marsupials. It even includes a section on the monotremes, those egg laying exotic mammals from Australia, namely, the platypus and echidna.

This book is a refreshing change from the typical TV nature show where animals and their behaviour are often anthropomorphised. You know the thing ...... " Bwana the baboon beats his chest boastfully after his latest conquest".

The highlight of the book is a four page panoramic fold out depicting the scene of the annual mass migration of wildebeest, zebras and gazelles across the African plains.

This book provides an ideal launching pad for those children who are keen to learn about the animal kingdom.

A beautiful and informative book.
This is indeed an appealing and easy to read book. The illustrations are beautiful and the text interesting and very educational. The layout is good. I would have loved having this book to use when I was a teacher. Particularly informative for adults and students alike are the "Fast Facts" which give a description in a nutshell, including conservation status; "Would You Believe?" with interesting trivia; and "Where in the World?", giving maps to show habitat. Along with correct information, the book dispels misinformation. I would highly recommend this book for anyone interested in learning more about the warm blooded creatures who share our planet. ... Read more

Amazon.com

From pygmy shrews to bandicoots, this book will remind you it's not just Dr. Seuss who created strange and wonderful creatures!Is a Camel a Mammal? discusses myriad mammals in the entertaining rhythms that made Seuss famous. While the Cat in the Hat is the central narrator of this fact-filled tale, count on Thing One and Thing Two for supplying the actions that accompany such tidbits as "Their hair can be soft, like the fur of a kitten, or the wool from a lamb that you knit from a mitten."While the author forced some of the rhymes, the book still makes a great starting place for early readers with a serious interest in unusual animals. A sure hit for post-zoo story time. (Preschool to early reader) --Jill Lightner ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Educational and Entertaining
My children, ages 5 and 3, and I love this Dr. Seuss style educational book. It is filled with lots of facts about mammals and distinguishs between mammals and non-mammals. The beginning of the book tells the reader that mammals breathe air, are warm to the touch and grow hair. The rest of the book illustrates these three characteristics. I particularily liked the page which shows that mammals can live in different types of environments, "Mammals live on cold mountains and hot, burning sand, down deep in the oceans or out on dry land." The ending is delightful as the child learns that she is a mammal, too. Finally, I enjoyed this book because it included a glossary of terms and suggestions for further reading on the subject of mammals. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Reading Rainbow
I first saw this book on Reading Rainbow, one of my favorite PBS shows as a kid. The story fascinated me, and I'm glad I was able to get my hands on a copy. It's about a whale who can't seem to stay with his family (which all kids can identify with at one time or another), and how the community helps him find them again.

The best whale "true story."
The kind of book you think of when you're looking for a good whale story. Lots of personality and drama, and a super read-aloud for kids even as young as 4. Another fun whale story is The Whale Comedian, which is more humorous and whimsical, but, like Humphrey, shows what kids like most: how we can be friends with these exciting sea creatures.

Awesome Book!!!
The kids I used to babysit used to demand that I read this one incessantly. Very well-written, well-illustrated and cute. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. Chock-full of information about the most sensitive,

intelligent, and friendly of large aquatic creatures, Dolphins! should

fare swimmingly with kids who read about whales and sharks.




... Read more

Reviews (1)

A picture book, people's interactions with dolphins
This is a great book for reading to 4-6 year olds. It talks about interesting stories about dolphins and people. An example: 2 pages cover how a man played with a dolphin in captivity by throwing a ring to the dolphin, and 2 years later, the dolphin recognized the same man and threw the ring to him. The book talks about how dolphins are intelligent and each have different personalities, how they like people, and things like that. ... Read more

Book Description

Discusses the habits and life cycle of prairie dogs and examines their place in the ecology of the prairie. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

A simply fascinating and compelling nonfiction book
Superbly written by Barbara Hehner, Ice Age Sabertooth is both an educational and highly entertaining picturebook for practiced young readers. It goes into amazing detail about these powerful and deadly long-toothed predators of the ice age, their habitats, their prey, the probable causes of their extinction, and their surviving feline relatives. Splendid, glorious, dramatic full-color illustrations by Mark Hallett enhance this picturebook presentation of a great and ancient member of the cat family. Ice Age Sabertooth is a simply fascinating and compelling nonfiction book certain to captivate youthful minds and imaginations! ... Read more

Book Description

From the largest whale to the smallest shrew, Animals Born Alive and Well offers a wealth of information on mammals, and a source of pleasure for any nature lover with a new eye-catching cover!

"Here are twenty double-page spreads all bright with mammals. Large, tiny, prehistoric, unusual--they are all here in repeatable rhymes, and a million dollar word (viviparous) is tossed in for good measure." --The Provident Bookfinder ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Very informative and fun to read.
It is a book that is a bunch of questions you might ask about Whales and Dolphins. This book answered most of my questions about Dolphins and Whales. It had good pictures to explain the answer to the questions how the animals lived. Even though the questions were short, the answers came out long and explained well. ... Read more

Book Description

Eighty feet below the ocean's surface, Wayne Grover hears a clicking sound. Soon he sees three dolphins--two adults and a baby--swimming toward him. A large fishing hook is embedded in the baby's back, and suddenly Wayne realizes that, in their own way, the dolphins are asking for his help. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great for reading out loud
My 4-year-old daughter loves dolphins. I had been looking for books for reading to her other than picture books. I read it straight through to her and she loved it. I had to read it again immediately.

A Sense of Connection
The Dolphin Adventure gave me a feeling of peace and deep joy. It is a story about the possibilities for connection inherent in our individual lives and decisions. How do you get connected? Grover's story says this comes from observing, deciding and then doing the thing that connects you. In the story, the diver's attentiveness, decision to act and willingness to persevere created a connection that impacted all lives for the rest of their lives. This is my all-time favorite book. It is sweet, simple and profound.

Exciting book for young readers
I really enjoyed this book. My summer school students really had a lot of fun reading this book.

I recommend it for all young readers. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Wonderful information on a child's level
This book is wonderful for children who like to know facts about animalsnot just look at the pictures. The pictures are oil color pictures that areterrific, but the detail about all the types of whales is what kept ourattention. My son is 4 and wants to read it constantly! The book is notlong, but has a lyric quality to it. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Excellent book!
This book is a wonderful source about Keiko and other orcas!

Keiko's Story: A Killer Whale Goes Home
This is a whale of a story!

Although written for juveniles, "Keiko's Story" will appeal to readers of all ages. Author Linda Moore Kurth not only tells the story of Keiko's journey from a small pool in Mexico City to his current home in Iceland, but also provides a wealth of information about both Keiko and his orca roots.

"Keiko's Story" begins with crowds of Mexican children waving good-bye on January 6, 1996, as he begins his trip to the airport for the flight to his new interim home in Newport, Oregon.

Linda Moore Kurth spent three years researching this story, and she herself followed Keiko on his final flight to his current home in Iceland. As a consequence, we meet people like Karla Corral and Renata Fernandez Karla who came to love Keiko during the five years they worked with him in Mexico City and Trainers Jeff Foster, Peter Noah, and Brian O'Neal who were waiting for him to arrive at his newest home in Klettsvik Bay, Iceland, on September 10, 1998.

Sandwiched between the story of Keiko's journeys is a myriad of fascinating detail about orcas and the logistics involved in ecological enterprises of this magnitude. Included are photographs, diagrams, and statistics describing Keiko and his homes in Mexico, Oregon, and Iceland.

Keiko's story is a continuing saga which will go on into the forseeable future. This invaluable book will continue to provide a reference and compass point to all who have been and continue to be enchanted after first seeing Keiko as he leapt across the big screen in Free Willy. It also contains a Glossary, Suggested Reading, Videos, and Web Sites of interest to Keiko fans everywhere. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Perfect science and read-aloud book.
A wonderfully succinct overview of the blue whale and it's habits.

The clear, sweet prose makes delivery of the content easy, and the very fine, soft illustrations demand repeated veiwing. My Preschool and Kindergarten ESL students found it highly engaging.

If there's a better science and read-aloud book around I'd really like to know about it. TEN stars.

Follow this book up with the superb "Is a Blue Whale the Biggest Thing There Is?" by Robert E. Wells. Wells' book uses the whales' size as a starting point for exploring the size of the universe and other very big things (the second step involves putting a hundred blue whales in a really big jar). Read my review of Wells' book if you like.

ONE OF THE BEST WHALE BOOKS AVAILABLE!
I'm a whale researcher who has spent much of the last 12 years studying blue whales in the North Pacific. I'm also a mom who loves children's literature. Rarely do I see a book that is so accurate factually while it is captivating and magical! The illustrations are beautiful. I highly recommend it to anyone who has children who are facinated by whales. ... Read more

Book Description

The Scholastic Science Readers series was created especially to bring exciting nonfiction to beginning readers. Each book combines easy-to-read text with outstanding photographs to give kids an introduction to their favorite topics. Nature comes alive within the covers of these full-color books. Special ³Take a Look² boxes give kids a closer look at the natural world, the inside of a wolf¹s den, an X ray of a hand, or a close-up of a bat¹s fur. Each book includes an easy activity that a child can do for further exploration.

SCHOLASTIC SCIENCE READERS: BATS offers a close-up look at these creatures of the night. Kids will learn where bats live, what they eat, how they find prey by using echolocation, how they help people, and how people can help them. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Very educational
I have bought the Elephants issue and the Bats issue and these books, which come in magazine form, are very educational for kids. My 4 year old loves them, and makes me read him every word in the magazine!! Highly recommended!!

Great education
These "books" come in magazine form. They are highly educational, and satisfy my 4 1\2 year old's curiosity, while giving him facts in a very interesting way. We have the Elephants issue, and I have learned things I didn't know!! ... Read more

Book Description

This is the story of the first six months in the life of a baby bottle-nosed dolphin. You will see what dolphins eat, and how they protect themselves from sharks, killer whales, and other enemies. Learn about these intelligent mammals who live under the waves.

Reviews (2)

Dolphins
This book is about dolphins. A baby doilphin is born. The book tells how the mother dolphin has a baby. First the baby dolphin's tail comes out. Then his head comes out too. Then it tells how a baby dolphin is protected by its family. My favorite part was when the baby dolphin was born. I think other kids will like this book because they will learn about dolphins.

Dolphin (An I Can Read Book)
A super book for the early reader. Focuses on the adventures of a baby dolphin, born at the beginning of the book. Combines his wonder of discovering the world around him with the comfort of knowing his mother is close at hand. Parents should be cautioned that the little dolphin is attacked by a shark at one point in the book, but the pod works together to save him. A very happy ending follows quickly and serves as a great discussion tool. ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "Milton understands what kids like about whales, and packs a considerable amount of information into the book. This easy-reader leaps with appeal."--Bulletin, Center for Children's Books. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Awesome Animals
I thought this book was very informative and showed people what whales are really like, just gentles creatures under the ocean. I would recommend this book to anyone who would like to read more into the life of whales underwater. This book has made me really want to go whale watching to see what they really look like. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Douglas Florian--creator of Insectlopedia, In the Swim, and other poetic tributes to creatures great and small--turns his unbounded talent for wordplay and shameless punnery to the order of mammals in Mammalabilia. We'll let "The Aardvarks" speak for itself:

Aardvarks aare odd.
Aardvarks aare staark.
Aardvarks look better
By faar in the daark.

Twenty-one short, original poems and splendid paintings celebrate (or jovially mock) animals from giraffes ("Rubber necker/ Double-decker/ Cloud-checker/ Star-trekker") to porcupines. The illustrations--painted in gouache on primed brown paper bags--are as tongue-in-cheek as his words; the coyote howls with visible "o's," the otter bathes in a claw-foot tub reading a book called "H20," and the rhebok is sporting sneakers. A pure pleasure for poetry fans and animal lovers alike, Mammalabilia is a welcome addition to the Florian fold. (All ages) --Karin Snelson ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Wonderful - Even for an infant
My daughter is only 5 months old, however, the rhythm of the poems in Mammalabilia keeps her attention. We are able to read the whole book before she rolls away. She finds the large pictures to be captivating and "talks" right along with me as I read to her. I believe that this is a book she can grow with. What a wonderful way to introduct poetry to young children!

good, but not his best
While the poems are fun and engaging, there is far less scientific information given than in some of his other works. "The Beaver" is a brilliant four line (four hyphenated words) poem packed with information, while "The Aardvarks" relays nothing except some clever spellings. If you must pick only one Douglas Florian book, "Beast Feast" or "Insectlopedia" would be much better choices.

For young children
This book is for young children just starting to read. The color illustrations are in a somewhat simplistic (primative) are form, and the poems are short (a lot of white space in the book). Overall, it is kept simple for young children, but some of the phonetic spellings are probably not the best for proper teaching.

cool mammals
Mammalabilia is a great dealia. That's how I fealia. It really has zealia

Unmammabiliable!
I look forward every year to Douglas Florian's latest poetic subject matter and am never disappointed! Mammalabilia is delightful stuff; brilliant, original, hilarious, and even educational...Keep up the great work! ... Read more

Book Description

Middle grade students learn how 14 mammals are born, learn and mature. Each animal chapter is written from the point of view of thebaby mammal and is filled with both fun facts and solid science. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Book Review
The book, 'If My Mom Were A Platypus'was written by Dia L. Michels. It provides a nice introduction to 13 animals (including humans), and provides basic information regarding birth, growth, diet, and other interesting scientific facts. Written from the point of view of the newborn animal and it's mother, the book is targeted towards upper elementary and middle school audiences. However, it can be enjoyed by younger children. It makes a good family readaloud and can be used for basic research. The illustrations are realistic and colorful, and the book includes a glossary and index.

Entrancing and Educational
If My Mom Were A Platypus is an entrancing children's book covering all sorts of animal babies-platypus, koala, lion, orangutan, whale, shrew and more. The beautifully-illustrated text pulls in children by pretending they are the baby. If My Mom Were A Platypus describes in detail how different babies eat, learn, grow and mature. This fact-loaded book delights both adults and children and is extraordinarily hard to put down. Even the ending is superb. Includes glossary and index and highlights endangered or threatened species. Activity guides are available at PlatypusMedia.com. Perfect for school or home use. Ages 4-adult.

A Great Book For Kids!
My three year old daughter loves this book. The book tells how different mammals are born, nursed, grow, eat, etc. It is really fascinating [I found it very interesting myself]. While the book is long and written for a much older audience, it still held my young daughter's attention [though we read only a few pages at a time]. The book is very educational and would be especially nice for families who breastfeed. It ends with the birth of a human mammal and tells how the baby is born and nursed and grows etc. This is a really neat book! ... Read more