Description

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In comics-style panels full of facts and humor, this lively picture book investigates the amazing lengths animal mothers go to in caring for their young.

An emperor penguin mom treks up to fifty miles to bring food to her hungry chick. A toothy American alligator carefully carries hatchlings in her mouth, shuttling them safely to the water. A piping plover uses her best acting skills to feign an injury, luring predators away from her offspring. Whether building elaborate burrows, forgoing food for months on end to feed their cubs, toting hundreds of spiderlings on their backs, conducting patient swimming lessons, or fearlessly kicking away hyenas, mothers in the animal kingdom—whatever their species—give it their all (and then some!) to keep their little ones safe, fed, and ready to face the world on their own. This first book in a young series on animal science includes in its back matter a look at the “super” qualities of some of the animals and offers a collection of resources for budding naturalists.

About the Author

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Heather Lang is the author of The Leaf Detective: How Margaret Lowman Uncovered Secrets in the Rainforest and Swimming with Sharks: The Daring Discoveries of Eugenie Clark, among other books. She lives in Massachusetts.

Jamie Harper is the author-illustrator of four books about the feisty flamingo teacher Miss Mingo as well as the Baby Bundt board books and the picture books Miles to Go and Miles to the Finish. She lives outside Boston.

Praise For…

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This lively riff on superheroes, the first in a projected new series of science books, explores the mothering habits of 18 different animal species. . . . For youngsters who like learning about the animal kingdom, this work offers a pleasing variety. . . . For Mother’s Day or any day, an appealing take on animal factoids.
—Kirkus Reviews

Lang introduces animal mothers who go above and beyond in raising their progeny. . . Speech balloons permit these cheeky children and moms to remark about the scenes depicted, and formal text is kept minimal, allowing the colorful art and humorous commentary to take center stage.
—Booklist

Informative text and humorous speech-bubble asides spotlight the impressive and surprising work that different maternal species do to support their young—providing food, homes, protection, transport, and valuable instruction. . . . Most of the creatures’ efforts have a true wow factor that, combined with comedic commentary throughout, results in a super silly tribute to supermoms.
—Publishers Weekly

The first book in the new “Animal Heroes” series, this title features amazing animal mothers. . . . Highly browsable and entertaining nonfiction.
—School Library Journal