The Not BAD Animals

Gr 1-5–This compendium of animals with bad reputations begins by calling out humans for their prejudices. Corrigan then makes the case that spiders, black cats, vampire bats, and other unpopular animals are actually very interesting, fairly talented, and often useful. Each animal or class of animals is given two spreads. The first displays the rumors and complaints the animal endures. The second defends the animal with a more positive perspective and a set of fun facts. The positive/negative divide is graphically marked by dark art on the pages that report negative ideas and cheerful art on the pages that feature a positive view. Some younger readers might find the opposing narratives confusing; negative statements are presented vigorously before they are put to rest by positive statements. But for older students, the book offers great opportunities to discuss fake news and distinguish fact from opinion.