The Wackiest, Wildest, Weirdest Animals in the World by Jack Hanna

About three weeks ago we received a box from Thomas Nelson's book review program. When we opened the box, it was as if we were opening a treasure chest! And what was this treasure? Why, nothing less than The Wackiest, Wildest, Weirdest Animals in the World by Jack Hanna.

This colorful book is full of familiar and not-so-familiar wildlife. Divided into three categories, it begins with wacky animals, moves on to wild animals, and then ends with weird animals. Each page gives a synopsis of why each animal fits into its particular category and also includes a section listing the animal's preferred food, habitat, and typical adult size. Scattered across the pages are other fun facts about the animals. Although the book does not go into deep detail about the animals, it definitely gives a great introduction which I think is an inspiration to learn more.

Tucked into the front cover of the book we found a DVD with bloopers from Jack Hanna's Into the Wild. I confess that we have not yet watched the DVD, nor have we ever watched Jack Hanna's show. But, if the quality at all resembles that of this book, I can see that we would be easily hooked.

This book grabbed my kids' attention and has not let go. They have read and reread each page, pouring over the full-page color photographs of each animal. They have learned about strange animals they never knew existed like the echidna, one of only two monotremes (egg laying mammals). They have also learned new facts about familiar animals, such as the fact that a lion's roar can be heard up to five miles away!

My children give this book a hearty endorsement, as do I. It is fun education at its finest, and we all highly recommend it.