Fact Friday: Nature's Ninjas: animals with spectacular skills by Rebecca L. Johnson

Image: Lerner Publishing Group

Nature's Ninjas: animals with spectacular skills by Rebecca L. Johnson. 64 p. Millbrook Press/ Lerner Publishing Group, October, 2019. 9781541542419. (Review of finished purchased copy.)

Fact Friday features Nature's Ninjas: animals with spectacular skills by Rebecca L. Johnson. After explaining what ninja were and their various skills, the author highlights each skill and pairs it with an animal who exhibits said skill, starting with toeholds and the incredible gecko. Each animal is introduced with a full-page, full-color action photo on the left and the comparison to a ninja skill or weapon on the right. Then the page-turn gives a bit of information about the animal followed by "The Science Behind the Story," along with at least two captioned photos, many including scientists who study the animal. 

My only quibble was about two photos, one of a cuttlefish imitating a hermit crab and the other of the spinnerets of a spider that were a bit blurry compared to all the others. Back matter includes thumbnail photos of the scientists; an author's note, in which she encourages readers to view the videos she lists; a helpful glossary; source notes; selected bibliography and books and videos in a "more to explore" section. Terrific addition. The cover alone should generate a ton of interest.