Wanted! Criminals of the Animal Kingdom

Think animals are all well-behaved? Think again. These thirteen play dirty. But they're about to get caught!

A fish who deceives her prey with a light dangling in front of her mouth? A bird who leaves her eggs in another bird's nest to be raised? A monkey who shouts "Danger" to scare away the others from the fruit? Meet some of the animal kingdom's most wanted criminals! Slippery Slick, Queenie the Meanie, Lil' Cupid --- they're all here in this hilarious book of animal case files that include rap sheets, mug shots, reports of criminal activity and more. All thirteen animals stand accused of playing dirty, but now that Detective X is hot on their trail, their criminal days may soon be behind them!

Author Heather Tekavec offers an original approach to investigating animal behavior, with a fun storyline built on hardcore facts. Paired with Susan Batori's cheeky illustrations, this is a laugh-out-loud read that explores fascinating animal science. Each animal "criminal" gets a spread that's filled with facts about the animal's characteristics, including distinguishing features, diet, life span, habitat and more, as well as a description of the animal's "bad" behavior and the reason behind it. This book offers direct STEAM links to life science curriculum, particularly lessons on the characteristics of living things. The underlying premise of the book also offers the opportunity for discussions on what it means to play fair in the world.

Author: Heather Tekavec
Publisher: Kids Can Press
Published: 03/03/2020
Pages: 32
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.70lbs
Size: 8.20h x 8.50w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9781525300240
Audience: Ages 4-8


Review Citation(s):
School Library Journal 02/01/2020 pg. 58
Kirkus Reviews 01/01/2020

About the Author
Heather Tekavec discovered while working as a preschool teacher that children's books were a lot more fun than adult books. In addition to books, Heather enjoys writing short stories, articles and poems for children's magazines, such as CRICKET, Chirp, Highlights and Totline, and has delved a few times into writing scripts and directing live theater. Heather lives in Cloverdale, British Columbia.