At the Edge: Curious Creatures of Planet Earth by David Elliott illustrated by Clover Robin

I have heard of (but never seen) many of the curious creatures in this book but I am sure most will be unfamiliar to your library group or young reading companion: pangolin, platypus, peacock spider, axolotl, culper eel, maned wolf, pink fairy armadillo, aye-aye, makhor, cassowary, orchid mantis, black rain frog, and naked mole rat.

The text in this book is a series of very brief poems - one has only two lines! Every page turn is a surprise - revealing a close-up collage illustration of each creature.

Now where will you put this book in your library - animals [591] or poetry [811]?

Peacock Spider

When he romances

this spider dances.

In jaw-dropping hues

this jitterbug woos.

He wants her

spider heart

to thump

when she hears

his rumble-rump.

He hopes he will win her.

If not, he's her dinner.

I talked at length about David Elliott in this recent post.

Do you remember when the CBCA slogan was "Curious Creatures Wild Minds"? I penned seven posts with book ideas. This book would have been a perfect one to share. But put that one side. This is book published in 2026 will be a terrific addition to your school library.

If you have not yet discovered Clover Robin can I strongly urge you to seek out her books. Her collage illustrations are a visual delight.