The Dictionary of Ordinary Extraordinary Animals by Lisa McGuinness and Leslie Jonath

Succinct descriptions and beautiful illustrations of over one hundred animals make up this elegant book. From Aardvark to Zigzag Salamander, this book provides information about animals both entirely ordinary, and wonderfully fantastical. Each page features a paragraph or two, an artistic rendering, and a "fun fact" about a different animal. This book serves as an introduction to the natural world for readers aged 4 and up. Younger readers will respond to the illustrations, and the older ones will love the writing and the facts.

The art is spectacular, and the descriptions of the animals are top notch. The inclusion of a "fun fact" about each animal helps underscore how an ordinary animal is actually extraordinary, and makes this book effortlessly informative. Some of the vocabulary used is a little upper level for it's intended age range which makes this book a great choice for a parent looking for something to read/look at/talk about with their child. If you have a few minutes (and it isn't already checked out by some other lucky patron) I highly recommend at least leafing through this title. Informative text, exquisite illustrations -- what more could you ask for from one book?

Also, the illustrator, Lisa Congdon, keeps a neat blog on her website. Also, also, check out her work on the cover of The Whale: In Search of the Giants of the Sea by Philip Hoare. I am a sucker for all things whale, but that's some great art.


This book can be found in the non fiction section, call number 590J. As always, if you need help finding anything, just ask a librarian!