Can wild animals actually be criminals and if so, what crimes could they possibly commit? Find out as you read the “rap sheets” in this fun informational book.
The author makes learning about some unusual animals fun and engaging by using a crime scene investigation format. The full color illustrations combine with the text to provide the reader a “rap sheet” full of facts about the “offender”. This book is recommended for recreational as well as early research use for readers in the second through fourth grades. Even though the author doesn’t include the usual reference helps, the facts are laid out in a fun easy to read format. ( )

This hilarious book introduces readers to some noteworthy "criminals" of the animal kingdom, like spitting llamas, thieving bower birds, and jaywalking crabs.

The introductory spread shows a uniformed polar bear (adults will catch the joke of his graduation certificate from "Attenborough Investigation Academy" peering at a bulletin board full of mugshots of animal criminals.

Each spread gives the details on these criminal creatures. The left side of the page has their nickname, crime, mug shot, and a short narrative of their "criminal activity." The right side is their "rap sheet" with their animal type, distinguishing features, life span, sightings, and "gang name." The criminals include Ms. Jagged Jaws, an anglerfish, Copy Cat, a margay, Big Bad Mama, a cuckoo, Phony Caponey, a tufted capuchin, Baby Face, an antlion, and more.

The book ends with a list of rules for the animal kingdom and a mug shot of one more criminal, Cranky Pants, a sleepy-looking white boy who is refusing to go to bed!

This isn't a continuous narrative, that you could read aloud in storytime, nor it is a book kids can use for research (as one reviewer complained). Rather, it's a funny, informative, and unique take on some strange animal traits. It would make a fun classroom read-aloud, picking one profile to read at a time, or for kids to browse on their own.

My one caveat is that this is definitely a book whose humor and interest depends on your audience and community. I had no hesitation purchasing it for my small town, where the police force is very community-minded and known and trusted by the majority of the town and kids. Retired officers work with the schools and they have shared training with the library on how to de-escalate tense situations. If this was not the case, if your patrons are more likely to have had negative interactions with and perceptions of the police and law enforcement, this would be more traumatic than funny.

Verdict: Know your audience - if you've got the right audience, this is a funny, informative book that kids will enjoy.

ISBN: 9781525300240; Published March 2020 by Kids Can Press; Purchased for the library

Funny, nicely illustrated book of animal/insect trivia. Young naturalists will delight in it. ( )