Animal Tails

by Mary Holland Narrated by Lee German

Overview

Readers will be fascinated by the many ways animals use their tails: to move on land, swim, warn others, steer, hold on to things, keep warm, balance, fly, attract a mate, and even to defend themselves! Apparently, tails are not just for wagging when happy. Following Animal Eyes, Animal Mouths (NSTA/CBC Outstanding Trade Science Award-winning book), and Animal Legs, Mary Holland continues her photographic Animal Anatomy and Adaptations series by exploring the many ways animals use their tails.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"A de-tail-ed look at an important adaptation across species. - Kirkus

Kirkus Reviews

2017-06-27
A fascinating up-close look at the many uses animals have for their tails.Frogs and toads start out with tails that help them swim but lose them as they grow and move to living on land. Deer use their tails as flags to warn others of danger. Beavers do this as well, plus they use their wide tails to steer, store fat, and balance. Everyone knows that a skunk's lifted tail is a sign of imminent trouble, and the prehensile tails of opossums help them grasp tree branches. When it's cold, a fox uses its bushy tail as a blanket. Muskrats and birds use their tails as rudders to help them steer, one through water, the other through the sky. And porcupines and bees use their tails for defense. Holland's photos are a highlight, filling three-quarters of each page and sometimes including inset pictures—of the skunk's rear with tail raised and of the beaver in midslap. Readers can see individual hairs and feathers and will want to curl up with the adorable fox. But two photographed animals have no accompanying text: the red squirrel on the cover and the snake in the opening spread. The "For Creative Minds" section in the back invites readers to match animals to their tails and describes the tail adaptations of flying squirrels, salamanders, fireflies, bats, and otters. A Spanish-language edition, Las colas de los animales, publishes simultaneously. A de-tail-ed look at an important adaptation across species. (Informational picture book 4-8)

Product Details

BN ID:	2940169852813
Publisher:	Arbordale Publishing
Publication date:	09/10/2017
Edition description:	Unabridged
Age Range:	5 - 8 Years

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