Author Description

“Personal in tone, chatty, and intriguing in subject matter—a sort of ‘Guinness Book of Animal Oddities’ . . . A fun-for-all informative compendium.” —School Library Journal   With humor and flair, Michael Hearst introduces the reader to a wealth of extraordinary life-forms. Which animal can be found at the top of Mount Everest, 10,000 feet under the sea, and in your backyard? Which animal poops cubes? Which animal can disguise itself as a giant crab? These fascinating facts and hundreds more await curious minds, amateur zoologists, and anyone who has ever laughed at a funny-looking animal.   “A quirky toast to the fascinating, impressively well-adapted freaks among us.” —Discover Magazine   “Hugely entertaining and just as informative, this guide to ‘unusual creatures’ proves that truth can be stranger than fiction . . . Hearst often has great fun at his subjects’ expense (‘blobfish: not as cute as the aye-aye,’ reads a caption next to the forlorn-looking psychrolutes marcidus) while delivering fascinating insights into what makes each of these animals extraordinary.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)   “Hearst’s appreciation for the quirkiness of nature shines through, and is reinforced in a concluding note admonishing readers to be kind to the earth.” —The Horn Book Magazine   “Hearst’s enthusiasm for his subject . . . comes through on every page. A terrific conversation starter.” —Scientific American   “Hearst brings us 50 examples of Mother Nature in all her strange pageantry . . . Not cute curios, but the seriously weird, which for some—hopefully many—will make the animals that much more appealing.” —Kirkus Reviews