Parenting Papas: Unusual Animal Fathers

Cutchins, Judy; Johnston, Ginny

ISBN 10: 0688122566 ISBN 13: 9780688122560

Publisher: William Morrow & Co, 1994

Synopsis

An introduction to seven animal-world fathers who are the main caregivers for their young shows how unusual their parenting can be, carrying eggs in pouches or giving piggyback rides, and includes twenty-five color photographs.

About this title

From Kirkus Reviews:

Seven unusual animal fathers are presented in text and color photos: sea horse, three-spined stickleback fish, giant water bug, hip-pocket frog, Chilean flamingo, red fox, and cotton-top tamarin monkey. For each, the authors describe how specialized anatomy and behavior patterns of the male parent help the young animals survive. The slow-moving sea horse papa has a special pouch where he keeps the eggs till hatching. The male stickleback fish prepares a nest and guards both eggs and young fry. The male hip-pocket frog has special pouches to keep tadpoles safe until they become frogs. And father cotton-top tamarins, tree-dwelling monkeys who usually have twins, help out by carrying the young. Scientific names are not given. Additional information on size and range would have been helpful. The authors of many popular animal titles, including Scaly Babies: Reptiles Growing Up (1988) and Slippery Babies: Young Frogs, Toads, and Salamanders (1991), have written another book that will be popular with animal enthusiasts. Glossary and index. (Nonfiction. 10-12) -- Copyright ©1994, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.

From School Library Journal:

Grade 3-5-The creators of Slippery Babies (1991) and Scaly Babies (1988, both Morrow) now address parental behavior in animals. The lighthearted title belies the straightforward, interesting facts presented within. Sea horses, water bugs, flamingoes, and foxes are some of the featured fathers who take part in bearing, hatching, nesting, feeding, or raising their young. True, some of these papas play a fascinating role, but others seem to be minimal participants. Discussion of the fatherly role in procreation sometimes veers from the topic, for often the information seems to focus upon demonstrating that animals sometimes have what could be considered traditional family life. Overall, this is a fun, informative book with a few squirmy, wormy shots of egg masses and hatching nymphs as well as endearing furry babies and chicks that will appeal to readers. The format is identical to the aforementioned titles; the text is readable, well organized, and well supported by the intriguing full-color photographs.
Valerie Lennox, Jacksonville Public Library, FL
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: William Morrow & Co
• Publication date: 1994
• ISBN 10: 0688122566
• ISBN 13: 9780688122560
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 40