New series alert! Sometimes big nerdiness comes in a small package–and this little book is an animal nerd’s dream!In this little animal “Nerdlet” you’ll learn about the weirdest, coolest, most amazing creatures in the animal kingdom–and what makes them so complex. Plus, you’ll have some of your most burning animal questions answered, such as What’s the deal with crocodile tears? And you’ll meet people who get to be around animals for a living and travel to animal destinations around the world. You’ll also find personality quizzes, fun facts, animal superheroes, and even a Star Wars reference … or two.

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MY TAKE: Packed with photographs and facts on animals, The handy sized book (about 6 1/2 inch square) has so many creatures the index alone takes up 4 of the 216 pages.

You will find familiar and not so familiar animals. Ever seen or heard of a Lanternfly, Seagooseberry, or a Hairy frog? I sure hadn’t and the two page spreads for each brought me up to date on their amazing characteristics.

But there’s more! Included are profiles of expert animal nerds. These are people who make animals their career whether it be for photographs or research. It might inspire young readers to seek out the same passion.

Other features sure to be popular are personality quizzes. Answer a few questions and your answers are tracked to the kind of animal most like you. Then there are features on animal themed destinations. My favorites were The Land of Wild Ponies on an island off the Virginia coast, and Pig Beach in the Bahamian Exumas Islands.

It will take a young readers quite some time to read the entire book, but hopefully when they’re done another Nerdlet will be waiting for them in this new series.

Order your own copy of Nerdlet: Animals here.

Also be sure to visit National Geographic Kids

(I received a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review)

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Blogging about middle grade books or authors next week? Join the celebration:

All you have to do is blog about a middle grade book on a Monday (contests, author interviews, or anything middle grade related also count). Email me the title of the book or feature and a link to your blog at gpcolo[at]gmail[dot]com

Make sure you put MMGM or Marvelous Middle Grade Monday in the subject line so it gets sorted accurately–and please don’t forget to say what book or author you’re featuring) You MUST email me your link by Sunday evening (11 PM Eastern Time) in order to be included in the list of links for the coming Monday.

Thanks for spreading the middle grade love and for being a part of this awesome tradition begun by Shannon Messenger and carried on here at ALWAYS in the MIDDLE! (CLICK HERE FOR PAST MMGM POSTS)

*Please note: these posts are not a reflection of my own opinions on the books featured. Each blogger is responsible for their own MMGM content and I do not pre-screen reviews ahead of time, nor do I control what books they choose. I simply assemble the list based on the links that are emailed to me.