"Personal in tone, chatty, and intriguing in subject matter—a sort of 'Guinness Book of Animal Oddities' . . . A fun-for-all informative compendium." — School Library Journal

With humor and flair, Michael Hearst introduces the reader to a wealth of extraordinary life-forms. Which animal can be found at the top of Mount Everest, 10,000 feet under the sea, and in your backyard? Which animal poops cubes? Which animal can disguise itself as a giant crab? These fascinating facts and hundreds more await curious minds, amateur zoologists, and anyone who has ever laughed at a funny-looking animal.

"A quirky toast to the fascinating, impressively well-adapted freaks among us." — Discover Magazine

"Hugely entertaining and just as informative, this guide to 'unusual creatures' proves that truth can be stranger than fiction . . . Hearst often has great fun at his subjects' expense ('blobfish: not as cute as the aye-aye,' reads a caption next to the forlorn-looking psychrolutes marcidus) while delivering fascinating insights into what makes each of these animals extraordinary." — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

"Hearst's appreciation for the quirkiness of nature shines through, and is reinforced in a concluding note admonishing readers to be kind to the earth." — The Horn Book Magazine

"Hearst's enthusiasm for his subject . . . comes through on every page. A terrific conversation starter." — Scientific American

"Hearst brings us 50 examples of Mother Nature in all her strange pageantry . . . Not cute curios, but the seriously weird, which for some—hopefully many—will make the animals that much more appealing." — Kirkus Reviews