A Crash of Rhinos, A Party of Jays
The Wacky Ways We Name Animal Groups
by Diane Swanson
illustrated by Mariko Ando Spencer
A madcap menagerie of animal group names.
They say that birds of a feather flock together. But who knew that bears in a group are called a sleuth? Eagle-eyed author Diane Swanson knew. In a book that's both funny and fascinating, Swanson explores 11 animals and the collective nouns that describe them.
Many terms are a perfect fit. A leap of leopards certainly evokes images of these acrobatic cats. And you can't help but look up to a tower of giraffes. But would you have guessed that many pheasants make up a bouquet? Other animal groupings include:
- An army of caterpillars
- A pride of lions
- A bed of clams
- A raft of ducks
- A gang of elk
Each playful profile reveals a term's origins and describes the behavior and characteristics of the animal. Meanwhile, delightful illustrations capture the literal connection to each intriguing name. A Crash of Rhinos, A Party of Jays is sure to intrigue young animal enthusiasts and budding language lovers alike.
close this panelDiane Swanson is the award-winning author of more than 60 factual books for children, including The Wonder in Water and Turn It Loose: The Scientist in Absolutely Everybody. She lives in Victoria, British Columbia.
close this panelPart science and part English lesson... Great for individual or classroom consumption, this makes both language and science lots of fun.
