We don’t usually think of board books when we hear the word STEM, but board books like Odd Beasts: Meet Nature’s Weirdest Animals by Laura Gehl and illustrated by Gareth Lucas are going to change that.
The book introduces babies and toddlers to eight weirdly-fascinating animals: the pangolin (mammal with scales!), ocean sunfish, glass frog, anglerfish, long-horned orb-weaver spider, Eastern snake-necked turtle, bush baby, and giant jumping stick.
Each two-page spread features a brightly-colored illustration of the animal, plus one short sentence that names it and points out a notable identifying characteristic. For example, one of the animals “wears armor.” Can you guess which one?
The back matter includes photographs of each animal with a concise, but more-detailed description.
Odd Beasts is fun, sweet, and educational all rolled up into one. Perfect to prepare for a trip to a zoo or aquarium, then remember the adventure afterwards.
Hop, slither, or crawl on over to Growing with Science Blog to learn more and see some activity suggestions to accompany the book.
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