Odd Couples: A Guide to Unlikely Animal Pairs

by Maria Birmingham, Raz Latif (Illustrator)

A fun and engaging guessing game that demonstrates how even the most unusual animal pairs can be two of a kind Hummingbirds and giraffes, sharks and snails, meerkats and bees … at first glance, these pairings may seem as different as can be. But guess what? Hummingbirds and giraffes are both hummers, sharks and snails both have thousands of sharp teeth, and meerkats and bees are both huggers. Featuring eight unexpected animal pairings, this informative and entertaining book gives readers an implicit lesson in empathy, highlighting that we are all more alike than we think. Written in an interactive question-and-answer format perfect for reading out loud, Odd Couples is full of nonfiction fun with lots of visual humor and appeal.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals

40 pages, Hardcover

First published September 12, 2023

Reviews

[Melanie Dulaney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderful picture book non-fiction for elementary aged students!

Everyone knows about the similarities between animal pairings such as crocodile/alligator, frog/toad, etc. So close in appearance that it’s hard to tell the difference. In this picture book, Maria Birmingham pairs two animals that, at a quick glance, appear to have absolutely no similarities at all. But did you know that both a hummingbird and a giraffe hum? And polar bears and a certain species of bat bury themselves in the snow? Birmingham’s text highlights the differences between two featured animals, giving each their own page and then across two new pages explains the likely unknown similarity shared by the duo. The final pairing compares humans with koala bears, and did you know that we both have fingerprints?! Terrific illustrations present the animals big and bold with a few extra details but clearly making the animal the center of attention. Back matter includes a glossary.

Highly recommended guided reading in grades 1-2, independent study in grades 3-4 and even for preschool with a caregiver narrating the similarities and differences.

Thanks for the eARC, Edelweiss and Owl Books

[Josephine Sorrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off this book has a great cover. The illustrator Raz Latin has capture expression filled animals in a most captivating way. The author, Maria Birmingham, has gifted us a unique look into animals with unlikely likenesses. This Is a did you know formatted book and in most cases, I did not know, that sharks and snails both have rows upon rows of sharp teeth, or the koala has unique and sensitive fingerprints like we as humans do.
This book is a fun and engaging guessing game that demonstrates how even the most unusual animal pairs can have similar traits,

Odd Couples features eight unexpected animal pairings, highlighting that while animals are vastly different, we are all more alike than we think.

The book lends itself perfectly as read aloud.

Odd Couples is a nonfiction addition to any collection with fun with lots of visual humor and kid appeal.

[Melki · Rating 4 out of 5]

What on earth could a tiny bee hummingbird have in common with a huge giraffe? What similar trait could be shared by a wombat and a seahorse? And, what could a shark and a snail possibly have in common?

You'll learn these, and plenty of other fascinating facts about the animal kingdom in this book. The bold, colorful illustrations by Raz Latif add to the fun.


Thanks to NetGalley and Owlkids books for the read.

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
Birmingham shares so much information in this short book. Readers meet animals from all over the globe that each have something in common with their partner. the information is shared in short paragraphs so younger readers can process this also. It can be a great read aloud where everyone tries to guess what they have in common before turning the page and discovering the facts. A glossary is included at the end to help with unknown vocabulary. Can be read in one sitting or pulled out to look at two animals at a time.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has so many interesting facts about animals. My youngest daughter is sharing the information with others, especially with how a giraffe and a hummingbird are alike. Not only do we get a fun fact in how pairs of animals are similar there are also facts about the specific animals. The pictures were colorful and vivid. We have read this book a few times now! Thank you to NetGalley and OwlKids Books for an advanced copy! All thoughts and opinions are my own!

[createitlibrarian (Amanda) · Rating 5 out of 5]

*** Read an advance copy from Edelweiss Plus ***

What an amazing book! I love how you can read the book without reading the smaller print, so it's versatile for storytime or sitting down with a child to read more facts.

Would definitely use in storytime!

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I read a digital advanced readers copy courtesy of the publisher
Birmingham takes two unlikely animals (for all appearances) and finds one thing they share in common and then explains in depth that similarity.

[Andréa]

Note: I accessed a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through Edelweiss.

[doowopapocalypse · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC from Netgalley

An engaging look at how animals evolve similar ways to respond to their environment.

[Melinda Bender · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots of fun facts that I had no idea about like sloths and kangaroos swim or that opossums and millipede share the same defense mechanism of stench.