What Do Kangaroos Look Like

The town that time forgot

Function getAdCookie(name) { var regex = new RegExp(name + "=(.*?)(; |&|$)", "gi"); var value = regex.exec(document.cookie); if (value && value.length == 3) { value = value[1]; } else { value = ""; } return value; } function getFrameDocument(fr) { var doc = fr.contentWindow || fr.contentDocument; if (doc && doc.document) { doc = doc.document; } return doc; } function closeDoc(doc) { doc.close(); } function isIE() { return /msie/i.test(navigator.userAgent) && !/opera/i.test(navigator.userAgent); } function setHash (element, hash) { if(element.hash) { element.hash = element.hash + "," + hash; } else { element.hash = hash; } } function renderIFAd(holderID, adID, srcUrl, width, height, hash) { setHash(document.getElementById(holderID), hash); document.dcdAdsR.push(adID); document.

Where Do Baby Kangaroos Come From?

And so begins the m iracle of life… for kangaroos, Tasmanian devils, and koalas. In this fun, tongue-in-cheek introduction to the birth and life cycles of marsupials, kids will learn what a marsupial is and the different ways one can be born and cared for. Whether you’re an expectant Red Kangaroo or an Antechinus with a newborn, you can expect to care for your joey–your baby–and provide it milk and protection during its infant months. Some marsupials have pockets–some have pockets that seal against water or dirt when burrowing, and some have pockets that are upside down or that open in the middle–while others merely tighten their stomach muscles to hold their young. Some marsupials will have as many as twenty babies while others will have one at a time. Did you know that a kangaroo can temporarily stop the growth of an unborn baby inside if the current joey isn’t big enough to leave the pouch? (I sure didn’t!)

Kids will enjoy the question and answer set-up that continues throughout the book: “How will my babies get into my pouch?”, “What if I don’t have a pouch? Help! I’ve looked everywhere!”, and “Will I miss my baby?”. Answers are shared in a smart but conversational tone. While accurate terminology is used–and a glossary is included in back!–everything is explained in everyday terms that kids can understand. In addition to the glossary, more recommended sources (including books and websites) are listed along with a bibliography. (Gotta love a kids’ book with good, accurate, included sources!)

Overall it’s a cute–and different–way to learn about an interesting type of mammal that usually doesn’t get a detailed explanation in classrooms. Curious kids and animal-lovers will not only enjoy the jokes and bright illustrations but will also learn a lot. What to Expect… gets high marks from me. As a kids’ non-fiction picture book, it’s detailed without being overwhelming and informative without being dry. Heck, I learned a bunch myself! If you’re looking for some interesting nature or science books for the house or classroom, add this one to your list.

Bridget Heos is also the author of What to Expect When You’re Expecting Larvae

Kazaak! (A Tell-Me-More Storybook) written and illustrated by Sean Cassidy Spike’s porcupine quills have finally grown in, but as he grooms himself they seem too painful to be worthwhile. According to his friend Rupert, though, “Quills are the best!” Because of quills they can blend in with plants, spear juicy fruit, and—best of all—“kazaak!