National Network for Equitable Library Service

Ripley's Believe It or Not meets National Geographic in this book about some of the grossest yet most fascinating ways animals have adapted to survive. Survival of the Grossest explores how some of the most effective -- and often truly foul -- survival adaptations in the animal world involve poop, mucus, spit, foul smells and sprays, nasty eating habits, disembodied body parts and zombification. Organized into seven 4-page sections and including more than 30 creatures in all their gross glory, the book is written in an upbeat tone that delights in delivering the dirt on the almost unbelievable ways animals have adapted to survive and thrive. And in addition to appealing to readers' natural interest this wild world of gross, it also encourages them to think like scientists and appreciate how these animals are as incredible as they are gross. Endmatter includes a glossary, selected sources and an index. And although it doesn't, it probably should include a warning to keep a barf-bag handy, just in case.