Beastly Puzzles: A Brain-Boggling Animal Guessing Game

As the subheading of the book states, Beastly Puzzles is, indeed, a “Brain-Boggling Animal Guessing Game.” Written by Rachel Poliquin and illustrated by Byron Eggenschwiler, the book presents readers with a fun opportunity to think carefully about the characteristics of animals and then to engage in a guessing game as to the identity of the unknown creature. Each double page spread begins with the words, “What animal could you make with…” An assortment of characteristics is then presented. Opening the gatefold page reveals the identity of the creature in question. For example, what animal could you make with…dinosaur feet, several feather dusters, a lion-killing kick, black toenails, three billiard balls, the speed of a greyhound, and a hose? Each of these component pieces is included in Eggenschwiler’s ink and digitally created illustrations. Each of these “question pages” also includes a further hint as to the unknown animal’s identity. In this instance, opening the gatefold page reveals that the unknown creature is an ostrich. On the “answer page”, the value and location of each of the component pieces is then highlighted and explained. Additional information is also provided, making this not just a highly enjoyable and engaging book, but also a detailed and informative one.

The range of creatures included in the book is also significant. These are not merely well-known creatures or a limited selection of, say, kings of the savannah. The creatures in the book range from polar bears to snails, from kangaroos to puffer fish, and from beavers to albatrosses. There are reptiles, spiders, mammals, crustaceans, fish, birds, and amphibians. There are creatures from places ranging throughout the world. Furthermore, the information included is truly informative and interesting. For instance, Poliquin’s written text states that the puffer fish’s toxin (tetrodotoxin) is 1200 times deadlier than cyanide! In order to try to keep cool in Australia’s blazing Outback heat, the red kangaroo can pant 200 times a minute! Who knows what galeophobia is the fear of? The answer is revealed in Beastly Puzzles.

The educative value of Beasty Puzzles is further expanded by a glossary at the back of the book. The glossary defines 32 words including “iridescent”, “pedipalps”, and “ossicones”. The use of words such as these in the text demonstrates the sophisticated, advanced, appropriately precise language of the book. That language, however, is presented in a manner in which it can be understood and appreciated. Despite the fun approach taken in the book, this is not merely a playful romp through the animal kingdom. In the author’s words, there is no hint of condescending or speaking down to her young readers. Rather, she reflects in her word choices an appreciation for the abilities and curiosity of children.

What animal—no, what book—could you make with a talented illustrator-and-author-combination and a fascination for nature? …. Beastly Puzzles: A Brain-Boggling Guessing Game.