Weird Nature. (Mystery Files series). Helen Mason. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2013. 32 pp., pbk. & hc., $10.95 (pbk.), $21.56 (RLB.). ISBN 978-0-7787-1131-5 (pbk.), ISBN 978-0-7787-1127-8 (RLB). Subject Heading: Organisms-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-6 / Ages 8-11. Review by Janice Foster. ***1/2 /4

excerpt:

The corpse flower of Southeast Asia is not only the world’s tallest bloom, it’s also one of the smelliest. Its flower stinks of rotting flesh. That makes it offensive to people, but it attracts insects. One of the plants is so famous that it has its own Facebook page.

Weird Nature, by Helen Mason, is one title in the “Mystery Files” series that reveals fascinating stories and facts behind some of the world’s unusual mysteries. Readers of Weird Nature will be amazed at some of the strange phenomena in the natural world, phenomena such as animals that drink the blood of living creatures, a flower that stinks of rotting flesh, a 5,000-year-old tree, and an Australian animal that was once thought to be a hoax.

     The 12 two-page chapters have their own attention grabbing titles: “Deep Sea Freaks”, “Plants from Outer Space”, “Swarm!” and “Diet of Dung” are a few examples. Each chapter includes a introductory paragraph that explains the title, clearly written text that provides information on the topic, “Mystery File” circular text boxes with unusual facts, and bold, colourful photographs with captions. These features will appeal to readers of differing reading levels, and this title is designated as a Guided reading book level Q. It should be noted that the font in each chapter’s introductory paragraph is hard on the eyes. An index and glossary are included.

      Young people are curious about their world. A title such as Weird Nature is definitely an invitation to open up the cover, and once the reader sees the attractive format, s/he will keep on reading. Unfortunately, due to space restrictions, some of the interesting facts, such as the giant oarfish and the vampire squid, did not have accompanying photos. However, a section called “Find Out More” lists book titles as well as websites, such as http://topdocumentaryfilms.com/weird-nature, for further research into this topic. Children enjoy a mystery, and Weird Nature reveals some of the most peculiar mysteries in nature.

Recommended.

Janice Foster is a retired teacher and teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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