Review Detail

ANIMALIUM is a unique and beautifully illustrated book. Showcasing over 200 species in a museum-exhibit style, ANIMALIUM will educate young readers and leave them in wonder at the beauty of the natural world.

What I loved: The easy-to-understand and frank descriptions of evolutionary adaptations in animals like poison frogs and fish of all kinds. It's fantastic for a kids book to describe evolution and the reasons for animals' adaptations in reader-friendly ways.

I also enjoyed the contrast between the large size of the book and its grown-up content. Often children's books that are coffee-table size have a lack of depth and complex content, but that is not the case here. There is a wealth of information on all the animals illustrated, and I was particularly impressed by the inclusion of their scientific names and typical habitat.

What I wanted more of: Intuitive organization. The books sections, including habitats, families, and species profiles, were only loosely correlated. Looking at the book from a kid's point of view, I could see them drawing incorrect conclusions about the relationships between some species and environments. However, that is the books only downside.

The verdict: ANIMALIUM is a fantastic look into the animal kingdom, perfect for young and old readers alike. If you are curious about the natural world, or have kids who can't get enough of zoos and museums, then this book is a must-have.