Weird Friends

Weird Friends by Jose Aruego and Adriane Dewey is a picture book intended for ages 4-8. It is more of an informational book that a parent or teacher would read to a child. The pictures are very vibrant and intriguing. It informs children that creatures that may be threatening to one animal, actually protect others from being hurt. It is good for children to learn that many animals work together to provide protection for each other. The animals protect each other and in return receive food or protection for themselves. I like how the authors label each new set of animals before discussing their relationship. This makes it easier for the child to switch to learning about something new without mixing all of the animals up. It is interesting to see that Crocodiles and Water Thick-Knees lay their eggs together because most people would assume the Crocodile to eat the bird's eggs. It is also very helpful that the last page shows information about where each creature can be found. This would be a really great book for a unit in 1st or 2nd grade on animals. I think that the author should have rapped the book up with an important message instead of just ending it with the last animal. The message could be that animals that may be threatening to humans are actually very friendly to some and may just be trying to protect themselves and others.