This is such a clever way to get kids interested in science facts. Jess Keating, as always, has found the most fascinating details about the animals we know and love. Each page spread has a "hook" in the form of dialogue: an animal asks Dr. Glider (a sugar glider) an advice column-style question with a surprising answer. Fact cards along the right side provide more insight into the fascinating fact. For example, male anglerfish don't need to hunt for food because they can latch onto a female and siphon nutrients from her bloodstream while their own organs wither from disuse. The consistent layout on the pages, coupled with the engaging dialogue and fascinating topics, make this a sure hit with the 1st- to 4th grade crowd. Pete Oswald's illustrations are the perfect pairing for the humor and science of this book.

Jess Keating is really getting into her stride with the wacky animal fact picture books, and this latest is delightfully funny and informative.

The endpages show an array of animals in a doctor's waiting room with lots of silly problems. A cat with a fishbowl (and fish) stuck on its head, a tortoise with a cracked shell (complete with bandaid) and a bear liberally covered with porcupine quills - and a porcupine. Dr. Glider, a sugar glider, stands atop a tall ladder and welcomes in the patients.

After a brief introduction, Dr. Glider begins to tackle their problems, after the style of an advice column. Each animal is shown in its habitat with a colored speech bubble, asking Dr. Glider for help or advice. Dr. Glider gives them a brief answer, and more information is included in a sidebar. At the end of the book is a "biography" of Dr. Glider, a glossary, and the endpages show pictures of Dr. Glider's patients and their names.

Dr. Glider handles problems like a wildebeest baby who doesn't want to run right after being born, a croc with a stomach ache, a dolphin with a scratched nose, and a pitcher plant annoyed by busy rats. Her advice always explains some aspect of the animals' behavior or abilities, and is sometimes gruesomely awesome, like when she tells Penelope Pitcher Plant to catch (and eat) those pesky rats!

Verdict: This isn't a book meant for reports, but it's perfect for browsing and oohing or groaning over cool (and gross) animal facts. Perfect for classroom libraries and elementary students.

ISBN: 9781338239881; Published May 2020 by Orchard Books; Purchased for the library