Invisible to the Eye: Animals in Disguise

Gr 3–5—This informative and entertaining glimpse into animal camouflage reveals the various ways in which predator and prey stay hidden from each other. The clearly written text defines and gives examples of key concepts and vocabulary, providing information about the use of color and shape to aid in animal survival. Insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals are shown in a variety of habitats (desert, forest, grassland, mountain, ocean, and polar). Thirty-eight well-chosen photographs, many of which were taken by contributors to National Geographic, challenge the readers to locate a silvereye songbird perched in a leafy tree, an orchid mantis on a plant, a pygmy seahorse curled up in sea fan coral, a gray wolf in a birch tree forest, and many other examples. Some of the animals are easy to spot, while others present a bit of a challenge; finding these tricky ones should be entertaining for browsers. (A picture key at the end will help children locate all of the creatures.) This visual treat will inspire readers to seek out more material on the subject.—Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA