Here Be Monsters!

Michael Largo's The Big, Bad Book of Beasts describes both some of the world's most unusual and mundane creatures, real and imagined.  For example, under "D" you'll find entries for Dodo, Dog, Dolichorhynchops (aka Prehistoric "Sea Wolf"), and Dragons.  I particularly enjoyed Largo's well-researched asides on the folklore of various beasts, as well as the numerous illustrations and renderings (such as the detailed Harpy skeleton on p. 187).  Definitely worth checking out!  HM

Giraffes, and Turtles, and Impalas, Oh My!

When I was younger, I loved checking out Zoobooks from the library (in case you're wondering, we do still have them -- they're in the Youth department!).  The glossy pages and the colorful photographs of animals interspersed with fast facts and text was the perfect combination to engage my inquisitive mind.  We've recently added a reference book in the Adult department that has that same feel -- lots of pictures and quick information on just about every animal imaginable, from weevils to whale sharks.  It's called Animal and though it can't be taken from the library, feel free to stop by and take a look -- you might even learn something, like what a Tucuxi is.  HM