This educational series combines two tween favorites: humor and the gross-out factor. These books are all about animal (and a few plant and microorganism) adaptations and survival, particularly the planet’s more unusual creatures. Readers will enjoy devouring one quick entry after another.

Jenn Dlugos & Charlie Hatton present real science in a way that will intrigue a kid. The information is given in a way children can understand and scientific names of the creatures are phonetically spelled out, but the material is still challenging. Dlugos and Hatton write with the kind of enthusiasm for their subjects that will easily get kids excited, too, and there are lots of full-color pictures to get the ball rolling.

This book is one of four in a series, each perfect for 9-to-13-year-olds who love science. Or, if you’ve got a middle-schooler who needs a nudge toward the laboratory, “Things That Make You Go Yuck! Crooked Critters” is a nice start.

[T]he pictures were great, the information accurate, and the examples decidedly odd and appealing! . . . In addition to logical groupings of organisms, a mix of plant and animal examples, and fantastic images, there were trivia questions and thought-bubble boxes scattered throughout to break things up a bit. A fun read, each 2 page description of a “yucky” organism felt like it would make a great 2 minute mini-commercial on a kids science TV show. I’d recommend for any organismal science class.

Budding zoologists, entomologists, and veterinarians will learn about predatory characteristics, defense mechanisms, and eating habits. The main text is supplemented by inserts that elaborate on the topic. Despite the pocket-size format, the photographs are clear, eye-catching, and helpful in complementing the information they accompany. A thorough bibliography, divided by chapter, concludes this work. VERDICT A browsable addition to collections with animal lovers.

Authors Jenn Dlugos and Charlie Hatton have gathered some of the most fun facts in the natural world to keep youngsters reading and learning. The writing is crisp and the accompanying photographs are up-close and a little terrifying. This book is a real winner!