World's Most Freaky by Australian Geographic

Australian Geographic’s World’s Most Freaky shares fascinating facts alongside dramatic photographs. For young children the accessible, engaging format with text boxes clearly defined, large headings and glossy pages, will make this book a treasure trove of freaky facts to explore.

The contents page sets out the information under six headings: Asia, Europe, Africa, Oceania, North America, South America. While each of the books in the series state there is a glossary and further reading sections on page 32, the books I have reviewed shows these on page 2.

Throughout the book are a variety of freaky animals beginning with the male proboscis monkey whose large nose helps increase the volume of its call to impress females and scare off rivals. The flying dragon is a lizard that can glide effortlessly through the air with its wings that are actually skin extension called “patagia”. The smallest frog measures just 7mm and was not discovered until 2009. It lives in the eastern rainforest of Papua New Guinea. The walrus has tusks that can grow up to one metre long and can be used to break breathing holes in the Arctic ice. The naked mole rat is virtually hairless and lives in colonies led by a queen in sub-Saharan Africa. They rarely leave their burrows.

This is just a quick snapshot of what is to be found in this very entertaining read. Highly recommended for home, school and public libraries.

Themes: Continents, Animals, Habitats, Freaky Behaviour, Wildlife.

Kathryn Beilby