Shell, Beak, Tusk: Shared Traits and the Wonders of Adaptation, written by Bridget Heos, reviewed by Bethany Bratney

Summary: This delightful book is a collection of adaptive traits that have developed and evolved in animals over the years. The book begins with a page explaining what an adaptation is and pointing out that similar traits can evolve in very different animals who share a purpose. Each two-page spread goes on to feature a specific adaptation, like tall ears or bills, and identifies the purpose of the adaptation. Then the book goes on to feature two animals that have developed the highlighted adaptation, and how each animal uses it. Each spread closes by pointing out the differences between the two animals, despite their one shared trait. For example, a duck and a platypus both have bills, but one is a bird and the other is a mammal. The book features a brief conclusion, reemphasizing the need for similar adaptations in different creatures, and then offers nice back matter in the form of a bibliography, photo credits and an index. The illustrations are full color photographs, often shot at close range to provide wonderful, detailed images of the adaptations that are being featured. 

Straight Talk for Librarians: Young animal and nature enthusiasts will love this book! The large, bright photographs on each page will draw them in immediately. There are some fan favorite animals included, like bunnies, whales, penguins and elephants, but there are also some more unusual animals that we don’t see as often, like snails, platypus, aardvarks and bilbies. The text length and details included are probably better suited for slightly older children who have a small amount of scientific knowledge to build on, but younger children could certainly enjoy the pictures https://libresbooksmi.blogspot.com and facts as well, especially if they are particularly curious about animals. This book, especially in its straightforward comparisons of two different animals with the same adaptation, fills a niche in the animal book market, which is likely to create excitement for young zoologists eager to learn something new. Because this book offers many brief examples of the concept of adaptation, it won’t lend itself well to research or report purposes, but a new lens through which to look at the animal world is sure to be appreciated.