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 leop …

A nursery of names for juvenile animals.

Young mountain goats are called kids, just like young people. But who knew that baby mackerel were called spikes? Animal fan Diane Swanson did. In a book that's both fact-filled and fun, Swanson unearths 11 animals and the words we use to describe their young.

Some names really fit the bill. The frequent …