Masters of disguise: Camouflaging Creatures and Magnificent Mimics by Marc Martin

 Teachers and librarians looking for animal nonfiction for research projects, with sources and back matter, will not find Candlewick's various imprints like Candlewick Studio, very helpful. But for those looking for gorgeous titles to browse, with interesting facts to pique kids' curiosity, the books are worth paying a little extra.

This title focuses on a familiar topic, the use of camouflage and mimicry in animals, but Martin's lush illustrations and carefully curated layout lift it above other books on the subject. An opening note from the author gives a nod towards conservation, then the book plunges straight into one of the most familiar of animals, the chameleon.

Readers will learn interesting facts about the animal, from how it is able to shift colors to the unique properties of its tongue. A large, colorful watercolor of a chameleon against a white background is surrounded by smaller illustrations, facts with a bold heading, written in brief paragraphs, and a variety of greenery. This informational spread is followed by a picture of a lush jungle where readers are invited to find a variety of animals, including ten chameleons.

This pattern is repeated for the great horned owl, polar bear, various insects, leopards, sloths, and underwater creatures. The end pages show thumbnails of each featured creature on its home territory, with a background of the vegetation from its habitat.

Readers who like to make sure they've found everything may be disappointed that there is no key or definite list of each animal to be found in the interactive spreads. However, it may also inspire them towards a little research as they look online to figure out just what an oropendola is and what they're looking for.

Verdict: A beautiful and engrossing book, although it should be supplemental to other titles on animal camouflage abilities and habitats.

ISBN: 9781536214055; Published March 2021 by Candlewick; Review copy provided by publisher; Donated to the library