Fauna

Book excerpt: Age range 5+ Did you know that platypus have retractable webbing on their hind feetto enable an easy transition from swimming to digging? That kangaroos can'tsweat and that the cassowary has no tongue? In Fauna - Australia's MostCurious Creatures, readers are constantly introduced to facts that delight,amaze and induce sheer wonder at the clever design and adaptability of ourmuch-loved native fauna. The information on each individual species is presented in small 'bites'to hold the interest of younger readers, while the information taken in totalgives a comprehensive summary of each species, including breeding and feedinghabits, physical characteristics, habitat and other unique and quirky features. Fauna also has a strong conservation message with an 'extinction roll call'and a rating for the vulnerability of endangered species. The stylised illustrations in Faunaare lively, colourful and informative, highlighting facts that lend themselvesmore to pictures than words e.g. the actual size of crocodile teeth, or themechanics of the echidna's beak. There is also humour in the illustrations - isthat kangaroo with dark glasses actually from a different kind of mob? Readers young and old will be delighted and informed by Fauna.