Animal Skins (Animal Anatomy and Adaptations)

Animals skins are covered with scales, fur, and feathers, and even though they look different, they do a lot of the same things. They help to keep the animals warm and dry; they protect the animals from other animals that prey on them and even warn the predators to stay away; and they can help the animals to hide. And scales can be tiny or huge. Butterflies and moths are covered with tiny scales, while turtles’ shells are covered with huge scales. Many animals, such as insects and snakes, shed their skin as they grow and their skins get too tight. All birds are covered with feathers which help them fly as well as keeping them warm and dry.

Author Mary Holland has quite a franchise going with her books: Animal Eyes, Animal Mouths, Animal Ears, and more. This is a great addition. Her text is well-researched and full of fun and interesting facts. Each spread has a full-page, close-up color photo of the animal being discussed. Youngsters will be enthralled with the photos and the well-written text. Back-matter has even more facts and even a fun quiz to continue the learning.