It Disappears!: Magical Animals That Hide in Plain Sight

Gr 3–5—Each title introduces a dozen animals by focusing on the particularly unusual characteristics they have in common. A text box in each spread notes the critter's main features and then describes its "magical" property. Readers learn about the size, habitat, and life span of the conch, followed by a brief description of how it can regrow its eyes. Scientific concepts such as bioluminescence and regeneration are explained at an appropriately introductory level. Well-chosen images of a seven-legged spider, a fluorescent tree frog, and other eye-catching examples effectively support the text. Many photo pairs provide useful contrasting views, showing a visible wolf spider opposite a hidden one, or a dragonfly as nymph and adult. Several of the topics, such as water bears and deep-sea dragonfish, are not often covered in children's books.