Did you know that…?

 
…stotting refers to the high-bouncing run of a gazelle.

Chronicle Books publishes some very interesting books for children and adults.  Out of Sight by Francisco Pittau and Bernadette Gervais (590 PiO 2010 PIC BK) is a recent publication that will engage young readers (grades 1 to 4) who have an interest in animals.

The African okapi looks more like a zebra but is closely related to the giraffe.

This oversized, ‘flip-the-flap’ book presents seven, two-page spreads focusing on various animals from around the world with a specific distinguishing feature or characteristic found under the flap.

A group of lions is a pride but a group of tigers is an ambush.

The ‘out-of-sight’ part of the book (besides all the really cool, random facts) are the top flaps that show outlines of animal silhouettes, tracks, brightly coloured patterns of fur/hides, or body parts  like eyes and tails or ears peeking out from behind partially cut-away flaps.  Wanting to know more, the reader lifts the flap to find out, for example, that giraffes have horns but deer have antlers, or that squirrels are among the smartest animals in the world.

Male platypuses have venomous spurs on their feet.

This book has great appeal, from the oversized format, to the random selection of facts, to the diverse assortment of animals.  Something game-like about it.

Take a peek for yourself.

Cows can climb up stairs but not down.

Today in Nonfiction Monday, a round up of  blogs focused on nonfiction children's literature.  Check out  Simply Science Blog  to see this week's offerings.