The dynamic and unique front and back covers of leaping animals definitely piqued my curiosity and invited me into Weird Nature’s pages. The topic was very interesting because it was displayed in an artsy and appealing, yet highly informative way. The sciences behind nature can easily become dull, but not in this book!
    What I liked most about the book was the effort made—in writing and with great photos—to include not so well-known information about the other critters who share our Earth. One of the pictures that really captured my attention was of four splash tetras (fish) jumping straight up out of the water to lay their eggs on a leaf. After the first jump, the father has to keep splashing water on the eggs, while the mum relaxes. Lucky mum!
    I couldn’t find much to dislike, but given my say, there’s a really gross photo of the slimy hagfish. Yuck!
I learned lots from Weird Nature. Did you know that the freshwater crocodile can become airborne, or that spiny lobsters conga to keep safe? Look out world! Flying croc coming through!
    It was fun reading the book, and re-reading it, and re-reading it. I’m sure you could read it all in one sitting if you wanted too, but it seems that there’s always something new when you pick it up again. It has a great index, enough information to be a reference book for a project, and is still an easy read.
    Weird Nature is obviously a very professional book. Its main focus is kids and teens, but adults who read it will also walk way with a lot to think about. I personally was impressed!
Weird Nature dese

(Originally published in the Jan/Feb 2003 issue of YES Mag.)