Gross-Out Defenses

Beginning readers will be enthralled by the freakish defensive capabilities of this wonderfully weird collection of animals. While most students will be familiar with the defenses of the porcupine, Prickly Porcupines explores some of the porcupine’s more unfamiliar defensive tactics. Smelly Skunks explains the mechanisms behind the skunk’s stinky defense, and Tricky Opossums solves the mystery of why they play dead when threatened. On the other hand, students may not be familiar with the other three animals in the series. Deadly Poison Dart Frogs introduces readers to one of the world’s most poisonous animals, while Disgusting Hagfish introduces students to a slimy creature that resembles an eel. Students will be fascinated by Bloody Horned Lizards shooting blood from their eyes. Clear headings and short, descriptive sentences will help new readers navigate through the engrossing nonfiction. The full-page, close-up photos are riveting and add to the gross-out factor. All six titles offer a brief glossary, Read More, Internet links, and Index extensions. These titles are creepy enough to be gripping; simple enough to lure beginning readers. Recommended.