Gleitzman brings back the pustulant pipsqueak hero of Toad Rage (p. 329) for further ground-level riffs on man’s inhumanity to animal—with an Aussie beat. Wrongly believing that he’s been infected with a contagious disease as part of a cane-toad extermination program, gimpy Limpy reluctantly hops off alone in search of a fabled National Park where his surviving “rellies” might find refuge from all of the maniacal motorists intent on turning his kind into flattened roadkill. Meanwhile, buying the smooth promises of hunky grifter Malcolm, said relatives hie off in the opposite direction into what promises to become a death march. Many references to slugs, slime, bugs and poo later—along with narrow squeaks, plus trenchant encounters with slaughterhouse-bound sheep and lacquered-toad gift-shop novelties—Limpy returns to effect a rescue, and, with the help of loyal gourmand sidekick Goliath and doughty little sister Charm, leads his people back to their cozy swamp. Some of the humor may be lost on readers unfamiliar with the warty main cast, but the cliffhanger-laden plot and high “yuck!” factor will carry them through this sequel. (glossary of slang) (Fiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: Jan. 25, 2005
ISBN: 0-375-82764-1
Page Count: 240
Publisher: Random House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Dec. 15, 2004
Gibbons’s 100th book is devoted to presenting swine in a positive light; she quickly demystifies the stereotypes that cast pigs as smelly, dirty, greedy, and dull. Descended and domesticated from the wild boar, pigs come in hundreds of varieties, colors, shapes, and sizes; in simple language, the book outlines their characteristics, breeds, intelligence, communication, habits, and uses. The author distinguishes the various terms—hog, swine, gilt, sow, boar—while also explaining the act of wallowing in mud. The bulk of the text is characteristically factual, but Gibbons allows herself an opinion or two: “They are cute and lovable with their curly tails, their flat pink snouts and their noisy squeals and grunts.” Pen-and-watercolor drawings show sprightly pigs and a plethora of pink-cheeked children in tranquil farm scenes. (Picture book/nonfiction. 4-8)
Pub Date: March 15, 1999
ISBN: 0-8234-1441-8
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Holiday House
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 15, 1999
Prolific science-writer Simon provides a brief portrait of 24 animals he says nobody loves, noting in his introduction: "You may never love a rattlesnake, a cockroach, or an octopus—but this book may help you begin to understand and respect them for what they are." Included are the shark, bat, grizzly bear, cobra, spider, cockroach, piranha, and 14 other animals. Each gets a double-paged spread and a glossy, full-color photograph. The text provides odd facts and brief information, though without sources. For example, "In India, alone, cobras are reported to kill thousands of people each year, more than sharks all over the world do in fifty years." Or in discussing the vulture's powerful eyesight: "They can sometimes spot a dying animal forty miles away." Sometimes he gives advice: "If the bear is close or does see you, remain calm. Do not run. Instead, stand tall or back away slowly and wave your hands and speak loudly." Despite his introduction, Simon seldom notes the value of these disliked animals. For example, vultures and hyenas are extremely useful decomposers. While the eyeballs-to-eyeballs cover of a tarantula in full color will keep readers reaching for the title, it is useful for browsing rather than research. No index or sources. (Nonfiction. 10-12)
Pub Date: April 1, 2001
ISBN: 1-58717-079-5
Page Count: 48
Publisher: SeaStar/North-South
Review Posted Online: May 19, 2010
Kirkus Reviews Issue: March 1, 2001
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