Animal Tricksters

From urban rooftops to remote forests, birds have evolved an astonishing array of tricks to outwit predators, find food, and adapt to their ever-changing environments. From the lichen-covered nest of the hummingbird to the tool-using capabilities of the New Caledonian crow, readers learn about the mimicry, camouflage, and other survival tricks employed by birds to avoid detection and secure their place in the natural world. Full-color photographs and engaging fact boxes bring each of these birds and their unique survival tricks to life for young ones.

Spiders frighten many people, but they play an important role in maintaining the balance of their ecosystems. This volume showcases spiders' remarkable ability to thrive amidst a world of challenges and opportunities. From the diving bell spider, which lives underwater in a bubble of air, to the golden wheel spider, which rolls like a tire down sand dunes to escape the fearsome spider wasp, readers learn about the amazing and unusual tricks spiders utilize to survive in a variety of environments. Intriguing fact boxes and informative graphic organizers give students a better understanding of these feared yet fascinating creatures.

Lizards utilize a variety of tricks to endure and thrive in a diverse array of ecosystems. From the art of camouflage to the mastery of escape, this volume illuminates the fascinating survival tactics lizards use to outmaneuver predators and attract prey. The engaging main text, augmented with vivid full-color photographs and compelling fact boxes, gives readers a newfound appreciation for these scaly survivors and the remarkable strategies they employ to thrive against all odds. Informative graphic organizers distill complex topics in ways young readers can easily understand.

From efficient hunting techniques to ingenious defense mechanisms, snakes have perfected the art of thriving in challenging environments. This volume explores some of the most astounding methods these often-misunderstood creatures employ to survive in diverse habitats around the world. Through the age-appropriate main text, enhanced with full-color photographs and compelling fact boxes, students learn about the pack-hunting methods of Cuban boas, the mimicry of the hognose snake, and much more. A list of books and websites provides a starting point for further research into this fascinating topic.

It may seem as though sharks are perfectly equipped to defend themselves and catch prey. However, in an environment where competition for food is fierce and sharks' predators are equally well-adapted, sharks need to have a few tricks to fall back on. From the cookiecutter shark, which tricks its much larger prey into thinking it's a tiny fish, to the wobbegong shark, which lays flat on the ocean floor to camouflage itself, readers learn about the amazing variety of sharks and the ways they have evolved to survive. Full-color photographs and engaging fact boxes bring each shark to life.

Caterpillars may seem defenseless at first glance, but nothing could be farther from the truth. In order to survive, these tiny creatures rely on a variety of tricks. This volume sheds light on the diverse survival tactics of caterpillars, showcasing their ability to navigate through challenging environments, find food, and adapt to the ever-changing ecosystems they inhabit. Vibrant, full-color photographs and informative graphic organizers help young readers gain a fuller understanding of these caterpillars' complex tricks, from camouflage to stinging spines. A list of age-appropriate books and websites provides a jumping-off point for deeper research.