The introduction, a page of thumbnail cartoons of cute animals, "pretend poop" and other things, explains that interesting animal facts don't just appear - they're discovered by scientists and sometimes the way they discover them is just as interesting! Decorated with little badges that mark the studied animals habits and habitats "carnivore, desert animals, mammals" Barker introduces a variety of scientists and their research with a short chapter dedicated to each. Along the way additional narrators pop up, starting with the first animals being studied, meerkats.
Readers will meet Dr. Cindy Lee Van Dover, who studies mussels, Dr. Shalene Jha, who studies bees, Dr. Cecile Sarabian, who studies Japanese macaques and bonobos, and many more. Many of the scientists present as female and there is a diverse representation of different nationalities. Each scientists' chapter includes an accessible explanation of their research and a sample experiment or two, tools the scientist uses, and how their research is applied or being used in further studies.
The pages are filled with mini comics of the animals talking to the researchers, jokes, and illustrations. It's not a traditionally graphic novel style, rather an illustrated book with short sections of text broken up by occasional series of panels, illustrations, sketches, and some full-spread illustrations. The book ends with a glossary, but does not include a traditional bibliography or sources.
Verdict: A unique combination of browsing nonfiction, animal facts, interviews, and biography, this is sure to be a hit with a wide variety of readers of all ages. In addition to being entertaining and informative, it's a great way for kids to see how real scientists research and perhaps try some of their own scientific research projects.
ISBN: 9781665901604; Published November 2022 by Simon & Schuster; Review copy provided by publisher
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