(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Bonnie Timmons. As verse in an informal typeface poses kid-like questions related to human skin (Why do I sweat?; What causes warts?), a reply in regular type provides rhymed, scientific answers. Occasional "Cool Facts About..." prose sections break from the poetic Q-and-A format and provide more substantial information. Witty digital spot art appears on each thick, glossy page. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Settel describes the specialized, if unappetizing, adaptations some animals and insects have developed to survive: birds that eat vomit, worms that live in dogs' noses, ants that explode to defend their colony. A colorful, contemporary design makes up for the limited, textbook-caliber visuals. At once a page-turner and a stomach-turner, this book offers a wealth of en-"gross"-ing information. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli