Animal Myths, Busted!


Book Description

Exposes 12 of the most enduring myths about animals. Full-color spreads give readers essential information about each myth, including why it exists, the key players who proved it wrong, and what the truth really is.




The Truth About Animals


Book Description

Mary Roach meets Bill Bryson in this "surefire summer winner" (Janet Maslin, New York Times), an uproarious tour of the basest instincts and biggest mysteries of the animal world Humans have gone to the Moon and discovered the Higgs boson, but when it comes to understanding animals, we've still got a long way to go. Whether we're seeing a viral video of romping baby pandas or a picture of penguins "holding hands," it's hard for us not to project our own values -- innocence, fidelity, temperance, hard work -- onto animals. So you've probably never considered if moose get drunk, penguins cheat on their mates, or worker ants lay about. They do -- and that's just for starters. In The Truth About Animals, Lucy Cooke takes us on a worldwide journey to meet everyone from a Colombian hippo castrator to a Chinese panda porn peddler, all to lay bare the secret -- and often hilarious -- habits of the animal kingdom. Charming and at times downright weird, this modern bestiary is perfect for anyone who has ever suspected that virtue might be unnatural.




The Fact or Fiction Behind Animals


Book Description

The world is full of amazing animals, but some “facts” about them often seem too strange to be true. Do goldfish really have short memories? Is cow flatulence really ruining the ozone layer? This book takes a magnifying glass to some of the wildest things people say about animals to find the truth behind the exaggerations, misunderstandings, or even lies we accidentally spread as fact. Fact boxes throughout the book help readers separate the facts from fiction, and entertaining cartoons and illustrations add to the animal fun.




Is What They Tell Us True?


Book Description

There are many myths and stereotypes about animals that people have believed over the years—and still believe today. Are bats and snakes evil creatures? Are all foxes cunning and sly? Are elephants really afraid of mice? Readers find out the answers to these questions and many more as they explore clear and concise text that’s paired with charming, colorful illustrations. Each chapter focuses on a different animal and the stories surrounding it—from wolves to ostriches. As readers learn the truth through accessible blocks of text, they practice using facts to fight stereotypes and uninformed perceptions.




Animal Tool Behavior


Book Description

When published in 1980, Benjamin B. Beck’s Animal Tool Behavior was the first volume to catalog and analyze the complete literature on tool use and manufacture in non-human animals. Beck showed that animals—from insects to primates—employed different types of tools to solve numerous problems. His work inspired and energized legions of researchers to study the use of tools by a wide variety of species. In this revised and updated edition of the landmark publication, Robert W. Shumaker and Kristina R. Walkup join Beck to reveal the current state of knowledge regarding animal tool behavior. Through a comprehensive synthesis of the studies produced through 2010, the authors provide an updated and exact definition of tool use, identify new modes of use that have emerged in the literature, examine all forms of tool manufacture, and address common myths about non-human tool use. Specific examples involving invertebrates, birds, fish, and mammals describe the differing levels of sophistication of tool use exhibited by animals.




Animal Facts to Make You Smile!


Book Description

These animal facts are sure to make just about everyone smile and sometimes go "awwwe!" Little readers will learn a cute or funny fact about some of their favorite animals. A colorful, full-bleed photograph will accompany each fact and will certainly attract reluctant readers too. Complete with a table of contents, glossary, index, and even more facts!




Myths Busted! 3


Book Description

This is the book that will put to rest even more rumors, misconceptions, superstitions, and flat out lies that you hear every day--also known as the book your mom never wanted you to see. Think boys are better at math? Don't bet on it. Think an apple-a-day keeps the doctor away? Better buy some oranges too. Think you evolved from a chimp? You might want to check your sources on that. Be in the know on all kinds of amazing subjects!




Cheetah vs. Ostrich


Book Description

Cheetahs and ostriches can definitely fend for themselves in their native Africa. Cheetahs have incredible speed; they're the fastest land animals. Ostriches are the largest birds, but they also have a kick so deadly it's been known to kill lions. What might happen if these two beasts squared off is anyone's guess. Both are equipped to do some damage. Readers can decide which they think would be the victor using the exciting information and vivid action photographs they'll find on each page of this engaging volume.




Totally Wacky Facts about Sea Animals


Book Description

Did you know that a mantis shrimp can punch with the force of a 22-caliber bullet? Ever wonder hiw big a newborn blue whale is? Curious to know how long a whale shark actually is? Wacky, wild facts and a bright, bold design will keep struggling and reluctant readers wanting more!




Gravity-Defying Animals


Book Description

Gravity is an invisible yet powerful force that pulls people, animals, and objects down to the ground so that they don't float into the air. As powerful as gravity is, however, there are certain animals that are able to break free of its forceful pull. Some do so by flapping their wings to fly incredibly high. Others shoot out from under the water. Still others stick to ceilings without any glue. In this book, young readers will discover eight of these extraordinary animals and the secrets behind their gravity-defying powers. Eye-popping photos and clear, simple text bring these one-of-a-kind creatures to vivid life.