The Puzzle of the Platypus: And Other Explorations of Science in Action

by Jack Myers

Scientists probe eleven animal mysteries. Why do some parrots eat clay? Which elephants are the wisest? Is the platypus a bird, a mammal, or something else? In this collection of science articles from... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1590785568
• ISBN13: 9781590785560
• Release Date: March 2008
• Publisher: Boyds Mills Press
• Length: 64 Pages
• Weight: 0.84 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.4" x 7.3" x 10.3"
• Age Range: 4 to 6 years
• Grade Range: Grades 4 to 1

Customer Reviews

Simple and very entertaining

This book is a compilation of eleven animal "mysteries." The short stories were originally part of the "Science in Action" articles in Hightlights for Children magazine and are now included in one of several books in the Science in Action series. The book includes topics such as how dolphins communicate, how crows have been observed creating tools, and how people have long pondered the question of whether a platypus is a bird, mammal, or reptile. Each section is only a few pages long and gives the reader a simple background of the topic. I really enjoyed this book, and learned a lot more than I expected. It is a quick read and keeps the reader engaged by the switching of topics. The contrasting cartoon and realistic illustrations are also very enjoyable. This book is a great homage to Jack Myers.