The Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Ugly Animals

The publisher says...

Marvel as you enter the fascinating hidden world of ugly animals in this encyclopaedia of the animal kingdom's most unusual and beauty-challenged species. It's time for ugly animals to shine! With more than sixty ugly animals to explore, this compendium of the unusual celebrates the beauty in 'ugliness'. Children and adults alike will pore over the breathtaking scientific illustrations of unusual animals, debating their relative ugliness and merits, learning about science and nature along the way. Featuring illustrations and facts about the thorniest species the animal kingdom has to offer, from the naked mole rat to the goblin shark, aye-aye, sphinx cat, blobfish and many more 'ugly' beauties. This gorgeous hardcover book is illustrated in exquisite detail by exciting new Australian talent, Sami Bayly.

The author says...

Click on the icon below for a video of Sami Bayly talking about her inspiration for the book and sharing some of her favourite fun facts.

Click on the icon below for a process video of Sami Bayly illustrating some of her Ugly Animals.

The CBCA judges say...

The well-researched information presented successfully highlights some unusual, highly adapted species that have evolved to have unique but rather unattractive features, many species of which are highly threatened. The book includes a brilliant introduction in which the author advocates for all creatures to be appreciated by challenging readers to test their perception of beauty when reading the book. Each animal is featured on a large double-page spread, with information sorted into logical areas of interest, including description, habitat and diet. This format successfully introduces readers to a unique selection of animals, with information that is both fascinating and engaging. This would most likely encourage readers to further investigation of the topic. Each entry is accompanied by a highly detailed hand-drawn illustration. Illustrations are drawn from the viewpoint that most vividly highlights the unattractive features of each animal, ensuring that readers will be captivated by the drawings and will search for and find beauty in the details. The overall production is reminiscent of an  old-world  encyclopaedia  and is likely to appeal to readers of all ages. 

Our Reading Time reviewers say...

Click here to read the Reading Time review

Teaching Notes for the book…

The publisher has generously made teaching resources available for this book. Click on the icon below to view these resources.