Masters of Disguise: Amazing Animal Tricksters by Rebecca L. Johnson

Masters of Disguise: Amazing Animal Tricksters Reviews

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  Nancy Kotkin

  Children's nonfiction book about camouflage and mimicry. Nine different animals (2 birds, 1 fish, 1 lizard, and the rest are insects) are examined as examples, each in their own chapter. Each chapter also includes a "Science Behind the Story" section which explains the research performed to uncover these natural marvels of survival. Writing is clear and appropriate for the targeted age group. Recommend for upper elementary and middle school students. Some of the photographs are blurry and not all of them support the text as well as they could. Back of the book includes photographs of the scientists mentioned in the chapters, a glossary, a bibliography, and suggested further reading/viewing. Very good resource for school reports.
  
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  Joanne Roberts

  Informative and well-organized. Bizarre facts about bugs, birds, lizards, and more. First a story to set the scene. Then a page of facts about the creature. Mostly bugs who use disguise techniques to hide or prey on others. Excellent photographs throughout.
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  Melissa Stewart

  One of my favorite STEM books of the year. The alternative narrative scenes and expository background information means this book will appeal to a broad audience of upper elementary readers.
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  Miss Lee

  It is amazing the things that happen in nature! So many cool animals that have adapted to fool prey and predators alike.
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  Beth

  Bright colors and a good balance between descriptive sections and background science. Good elementary school science book.
• 
  Felicia

  Beehive Nominee 2018
• 
  PottWab Regional Library

  E
• 
  Paula

  This narrative nonfiction title presents nine members of the animal world, including birds, insects, reptiles, and fish, that have perfected the art of camouflage to ensure their continued existence in hostile environments. From caterpillars that disguise themselves as ant larvae to be tended by the ant colony to baby birds that disguise themselves as venomous caterpillars, their many modes of deceptive behavior and disguise are presented in matter-of-fact language with accompanying facts and captivating photographs. Each creature gets two spreads. The first spread describes its unique physical traits or behaviors, while the second spread explains the scientific work done to unravel the secrets behind the creature’s survival devices that include sight, hearing and smell. This is not the usual tiger and zebra stripes camouflage book in that many of the creatures described are fairly new to scientists and will be new to readers as well. An afterword provides a quick lesson on genetics and evolution. Back matter includes source notes, bibliography, resources, a glossary, and index. This title is a must for every school library and, in the right hands, it can be adapted for use with any grade level.
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  Laura

  Holy awesomesauce! Bugs that build a corpse pyramid of ants on their backs so other ants can't smell it?! A spider that builds a giant puppet spider in its web to fool predators?!! A chick that wriggles like a poisonous caterpillar until it gets the all clear from mom?!!! The natural world is hella cool. And this book presents these tricksters perfectly. Love that the author includes scientist bios & video links.
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  Lynn

  Close-up photos bring the reader eyeball to eyeball with the most unusual creatures. Each animal is presented in an introduction and "The Explanation Behind the Science." The mention of DNA and adaptation, along with explanations of scientific methods make this book perfect for science conversations.
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  Melissa

  Oh my gosh, not since Zombie Makers have I been so blown away. Spiders that create larger than life animated puppet-spiders to scare predators away, baby birds that mimic the appearance and movements of massively poisonous caterpillars, moth larva that look, and smell like ant larva and can imitate the sounds of ant queens in order to be waited on hand and foot! What?!?
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  Alice

  3.75 Stars This book was very interesting. What I liked the most was the master of disguise. What it didn't find as fun was the science behind it on how scientist figured it out! It was interesting, just not as fun!! I wish I would have read the disguise part and then gone back and read the science stuff. It was still very cool!
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  Miss Erica

  591.47 JOH
  
  GR: Y
  Lexile: 1010
  
  This book is filled with 10 fascinating animals that use some interesting tricks and disguises to help them survive in the wild. Many interesting facts and the story of how scientists have come to the conclusions of how these animals do what they do and why.
  
  Junior Librar Guild Link:
  https://www.juniorlibraryguild.com/bo...
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  Great Books

  Stunning photographs highlight the nearly unbelievable ability of some animals to disguise themselves. Nine of these remarkable creatures are profiled making this a perfect selection for aspiring naturalists. Reviewer 2
  
  
• 
  Quintina

  Netgalley ARC
  Kids will be flocking to the shelves to read about these animal tricksters!
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  Colleen

  Good source notes, bibliography, resources, and suggested readings.
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  Angel Bolton madera

  Great nonfiction text. Any teacher and science/animal lover would adore this book. The science behind the story is fascinating.
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  Chacha

  Love it! Great recommendation for reluctant readers.
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  Sara

  Animal nonfiction books are usually not my thing, but I found this one extremely fascinating!
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  Casandria

  Very impressive research and writing. I would highly recommend this to any non-fiction lovers out there, especially in the 4-6 grade range.
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  Tina

  A early read from NetGalley.com. Am totally getting for the library!
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  Katie Lawrence

  This was an absolutely fascinating book about mimicry and camouflage! I loved the way the entire book was set up with information about the animal and their behavior first, then information about the scientists studying them and how they are conducting their experiments. So cool!! I could see this being used to discuss the scientific method, mimicry, camouflage and so much more. Really well-designed and written with great photography to boot. All the included back matter is excellent too with additional resources, photos of the scientists mentioned & information on where they work, and an index.
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  Erica

  This book is filled with 10 fascinating animals that use some interesting tricks and disguises to help them survive in the wild. Many interesting facts and the story of how scientists have come to the conclusions of how these animals do what they do and why.