TASMANIAN DEVIL: ON LOCATION

Lothrop, Lee & Shephard, 1992. 1st Edition 2nd Printing. Hardcover. Very Good +/New. Tara Darling color photos. CONDITION: Very Good +, perused (or gently pre-read in parts) 1992 Lothrop, Lee & Shephard hardcover (pictorial boards) & dust jacket, first edition, 2nd printing. Color photos are by Tara Darling and it is simply amazing she got so close to the animals. CONTENT: A book about one of the least darling of all the Earth's creatures. Indeed, this fine book with expressive, revealing photographs is not for any budding zoologists who turn green-at-the-gills at the first sight of blood. The pictures here are unflinchingly accurate, matching the animal's basic characteristics described in the noteworthy text: voracious eating habits, angry temperament, cannibalistic tendencies, and savage sibling rivalries. Subsequent chapters offer clear, witty explanations of the devil's birth, development, fighting ability, eating preferences, nocturnal nature, excellent senses, and protected status. A small but useful fast-fact and index section is included. Although this strong book will either attract or repel its readers, it is doubtful that a more thorough look at the Tasmanian devil can be found for children. Besides, any animal that can consume a whole cow in 2 days or enough rat poison to kill 40 people without getting sick deserves a second look. Those libraries with Lynn Stone's Tasmanian Devils have a good introduction but not the whole story. All should consider this 40-page eye-opener. Also there is a page of interesting "Devil Facts." Caution, however, since there are a couple of photos that might disturb very young readers. Grades 3-5.