ANIMALS NOBODY LIKES BY SEYMOUR SIMON

1. BIBLIOGRAPHY
Simon, Seymour. 2003. ANIMALS NOBODY LOVES. New York. NY: Sea Star Books. ISBN-10: 1587171554
2. PLOT SUMMARY
Animals Nobody Likes is a visually engaging book that will attract children of all ages. Simon presents a visual feast of animals that both repel and intrigue us. The author provides information about each animal which either supports or contradicts their reputation. In addition, this book, presented in photo essay form, provides a wide assortment of different types of creatures that include mammals, reptiles, sea life, and insects.
3. CRITICAL ANALYSIS
Seymour Simon’s photo essay about a diverse group of animals engages readers through visually stunning images and provides interesting, but little known facts about most of the animals featured. For example, Simon writes about piranhas, “Piranhas have killed more people than the great white shark.”
Simon gives readers factual information about each animal to help young children to further their understanding about the different types of species that share our world. Also, his informative style encourages readers to develop a thirst for investigating facts rather than simply accepting myths. For example, Simon writes the truth about commonly misunderstood animals such as the “really shy and harmless” octopus, but also introduces readers to unfamiliar animals such as the Gila monster.
Although a relatively short summary of important facts is provided for each animal, Simon provides a glimpse into each featured creature that may encourage young readers to conduct more research. One might describe this book as a sampling that may very well draw readers to probe deeper to investigate creatures they find to be particularly interesting.
The photos are absolutely breath-taking and provide young readers with detailed images of the creatures. Simon strives to present a realistic view of each animal and their potential for danger. It is apparent that the author’s objective is to inform, rather than to promote fear. Simon has done an exceptional job attracting and keeping young readers attention.

4. AWARD AND BOOK EXCERPT(S)
Booklist: Simon puts forward some interesting facts and dispels a few myths about these 20 unlovable subjects
5. CONNECTIONS
If you enjoyed this book, you may enjoy the following photo essays by Seymour Simon:
Simon, Seymour. 2006. WHALES. ISBN-10: 0060877111
Simon, Seymour. 2006. THE BRAIN: OUR NERVOUS SYSTEM. ISBN-10: 0060877197
Other books that inform young readers of interesting facts about our world:
Drake, Jane & Love, Ann. ALIEN INVADERS: SPECIES THAT THREATEN OUR WORLD. Ill. Mark Thurman. ISBN 0887767982