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At the Edge: Curious Creatures of Planet Earth

by David Elliott Publisher: CANDLEWICK BOOKS

Critically Recognized

A poetic field trip to the animal world’s odd corners

Regular price $18.74 USD
Regular price $31.24 USD Sale price $18.74 USD
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Awards & Recognition

  • Critical praise

    School Library Journal starred review

    Starred review praising the collection as lively and inventive.

AlbakiReads Editorial

A poetic field trip to the animal world’s odd corners

From axolotls and markhors to peacock spiders and black rain frogs, David Elliott’s collection introduces unusual animals from around the world through poetic vignettes. Questions about their appearance and behavior give the entries an informative thread, while collage illustrations by Clover Robin bring each creature into view. The book’s mix of zoological details, playful observations, and visual portraiture offers a compact tour of species that often sit outside the familiar roll call of animal books.

Good fit for readers who enjoy

  • Children ages 4–8 interested in animals and nature
  • Young readers who enjoy illustrated nonfiction with a poetic format
  • Families seeking a book that introduces less familiar creatures

Themes

Animal diversityUnusual speciesAnimal appearance and behaviorPoetry and nature

Based on publisher information and book metadata.

Book overview

"A lively and inventive collection celebrating unusual animals from across the globe" --School Library Journal (starred review)

Poet David Elliott brings us to the edge of the animal world to explore the weirdest and rarest creatures on the planet.


Why does the axolotl salamander always seem to be smiling? Is it true that the wild goat known as a markhor is excellent at parkour? What happens when the peacock spider's dance, complete with its rumble-rumps, doesn't please the object of its affection? Providing a peek at everything from scaly pangolins to duck-billed platypuses, from the lemur known as an aye-aye to the perpetually grumpy (and adorable) black rain frog, David Elliott's poetic vignettes deliver a witty and informative take on some of the world's oddest animals. Brought to life in striking illustrations by collage artist Clover Robin, this roundup of unique creatures will delight animal lovers of all stripes.
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Customer reviews

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AlbakiReads
Malaika Taylor

I highly recommend to for anyone looking for inner clarity

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Thomas DiMassa

Great service and fast service

Great shopping experience! The book arrived quickly, was well packaged, and matched the description perfectly. I would definitely shop with you again

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Olivia

Smooth.