Freaky, Funky Fish: Odd facts about fascinating fish by Debra Kempf Shumaker illustrated by Claire Powell

Fish have fins and gills and tails. All fish swim and most have scales 

but some fish zap and some fish sting.

If you are curious about the creatures in our world - especially the strange ones - then you are sure to enjoy this book. I remember years ago we added a book to our library at school called Killer Plants and how to grow them. I found this book fascinating and I regularly put it out on display.

Freaky, Funky Fish falls into this same category.  The illustrations are somehow a blend of scientific and yet fun.There is a freak rating system for each species with a score out of five. You might be interested to know the anglerfish, flashlight fish, barreleye fish, parrot fish and hammerhead shark are among the species to rate 5/5. There is a full fish inventory on the front and back end papers which again manage to combine the factual with a touch of fun. Hagfish are described as 'unbelievably freaky' and the coral reef frogfish is freaky with a capital F. 

If your young reading companion or class are curious to discover more the final pages of this book give extensive detail about each of the categories used in this book. There are fish that sting; fish that play dead; fish that slime; fish that coats itself with snot; fish that inflate and fish that fly.

This is a book you will want to add to your library. It would make a perfect addition to any non fiction collection.  It is so wonderful to see authors, illustrators and publishers producing these new and innovative non fiction titles.

Are you curious about the flashlight fish? It has "an organ under each eye. It uses light to find prey when it swims up to shallower waters at night looking for food. The light comes from bacteria living in sacs under the eyes of the fish, which it turns off by rolling the light organ under a flap of skin. At times, flashlight fish blink these lights every few seconds, looking like fireflies in the ocean."

A favourite fish of mine (he is a little ugly) is the Anglerfish. Take a look at him on the National Geographic site and on the cover of this book.

Image source: Claire Powell

This is the first book by USA Author Debra Kempf Shumaker. Claire Powell lives in London. 

Fascinating and informative Freaky, Funky Fish is a terrific resource for schools or a gift for children who love exploring different worlds. An excellent glossary at the rear provides more detailed information about the stars of the pages which rounds out a well-considered book which will provide hours of fun and information for a wide range of readers and inquisitive minds. Bluewolf reviews