Apes

Book Description
It's a weird world out there... dazzle your friends with wacky facts and more from this mega new series. Did you know... Some primates leave smelly messages from each other from scent glands on their bodies. Gibbons can fling themselves from branch to branch across huge gaps of over 13 yards. Ape parents hold their babies up by the arms to help them learn to walk. A full-color, fun, and informative series, Secret Worlds offers a chance to get your teeth deep into a wide range of fascinating subjects from nature, history, and science. Every title has: Easy-to-read narrative text written by a specialist who combines expert knowledge with an entertaining and fresh style. Superb color photography that entices the reader into the subject world with close-up views and dramatic shots. Weird World feature boxes that reveal a wealth of wacky facts. Tried-and-tested websites to check out the latest info. A mega reference section with even more facts and figures for the enthusiast. Suitable for children aged ten and up -- as well as every other family member who is curious about the subject.


Card catalog description
Presents the physical characteristics, habits, and natural environment of apes and other primates.


About the Author
Richard Platt -- Author -- has been amusing children with his witty, fact-filled books for more than 10 years. David Burnie -- Consultant -- has worked as a biologist and has also been a nature consultant for television.


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Part of the "Secret Worlds" series, this fact-filled book is an engaging read due to the author's whimsical sense of humor. When discussing evolution, he writes, "All this doesn't mean that your great-great-grandpa was a baboon with a big, blue butt." He also notes that "not all primates fight to decide which guy gets the girl" and that for one species, "digestion is a slow process, so they spend a lot of time chilling out." But Platt doesn't pander to the lowest common denominator—this is a serious science book that uses words like "prehensile," "prosimian" and "hierarchy." There is a glossary in the back for younger primatologist wannabes, and enough fascinating facts to make this a page-turner for adults called upon to read aloud. An excellent choice for a nature-books shelf in any school, library or after school program. 2001, Dorling Kindersley, $14.95 and $7.95. Ages 8 to 12. Reviewer:Donna Freedman


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