Sterling production values obviously make this book a strong four stars, but once again I am forced to put my foot down and knock shades of sparkly awards off for a book that is all about the superlative animal, and yet shows none of the evolutionary science that tells how they came about. I've seen this in the flesh as well as digitally for review purposes, and it's a grand-looking book, its large format presenting brilliant photography very well. All the critters are given their own double-paged spread, showing their range, while factoid-styled captions all over the shop tell us all we need to know about what makes them successful – and in the number of endangered beasties here, on the way out. It's a right mish-mash of subjects from the rare to the commonly read-about, and sometimes it's better than others – a map relating to just one type of butterfly seems to have little to show except the regional colour variations. Some animals get a centrefold kind of image with much less writing on, too, but by the time we have seen the record breakers and all that defines each major type of animal (birds, reptiles, etc) we have certainly had an opportunity to take on a very attractive lesson.

The Facts about the Places & Animals are (as Always with DK Books) On Point & the Detail of the Pictures of said Animals & Continents are Exquisite, Well Done DK!
(And Thank You to Net Galley for this Book!)

An entertaining book which should appeal to children of all ages. The balance of text to pictures is good, and there are plenty of interesting facts about the animals and their habitats. A good book for younger children to read together with adults and for older children to look at alone.

Fantastic book full of facts, beautiful artwork and photographs. Would make a great gift for children from around age 4 and up. The book is broken into sections birds, sea life etc then within these sections broken down into environments etc this easy to read and the info is simple but effective. I’d say adults will enjoy this along side younger children and older children will easily be able to read it themselves. This a fun informative book I challenge anyone not to like if with the bug scary snake and spider pictures

This book kept the children entirely engrossed for the entire day ! They read to each other, pointed out details to each other ,drew pictures and asked many many questions. I sat down on the evening myself and could easily see why they loved it so much.