Published by Millbrook Press

Summary:  Wildlife photographer Suzi Eszterhas teams with Dr. Rebecca Cliffe (a.k.a. Dr. Sloth or Becky) to introduce kids to sloths, including different sloth species, their habitats, diets, behavior, and babies.  Readers learn about dangers to sloth, which mostly come from their interactions with the human world.  Becky’s work is described, from her childhood interest in nature and biology to the groundbreaking techniques she has used to observe sloths, becoming one of the first scientists to study these animals in-depth.  The organization she founded, Sloth Conservation Foundation, focuses on saving sloths in the wild, and readers get some tips on how they can help.  Includes a glossary and additional resources.  40 pages; grades 3-6.

Pros:  I’m a big Suzi Eszterhas fan because her books are so appealing to young readers.  Her wildlife photography is amazing, and she tends to write about animals with a lot of kid appeal.  This book is no exception, and I look forward to adding it to my library.

Cons:  Can’t wait for the first kid to learn the fascinating facts about sloths’ elimination:  they only pee and poop once a week and lose about 30 percent of their body weight when they do.

May 13, 2022 at 05:34PM Janet Dawson