From Aardvark to Zebra: Secrets of African Wildlife

by Peter Joyce

"From Aardvark to Secrets of African Wildlife" is a dictionary of discovery that illuminates the more fascinating wildlife inhabitants of the region. Many of Africa's mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and even plants have adapted in unusual and often, in our eyes, strange ways to the demands of their environments. Written in an appealing and easy-to-read fashion, the book provides an intriguing glimpse at the wonders of the wild, describing the fierce family loyalties of the elephant; the all too human behavior of the baboon; the dolphin's intelligence, its "language" and its friendship with man; animals and birds that use tools; plants that have evolved ingenious, sometimes bizarre mechanisms for survival and much, much more. Written in the form of 120 brief entries for each animal and plant, and illustrated with charming black and white drawings. Sure to interest every member of the family!

Paperback

First published April 13, 1999

About the author

Peter Joyce has produced some seventy titles ranging across the spectrum from travel and wildlife through biography to his specialist subject, history. Among his books is the bestselling South Africa in the 20th Century. Before becoming a full-time writer, he held senior positions with publishing companies in Zimbabwe and South Africa, including Struik and Reader’s Digest South Africa. He lives in Cape Town.


Librarian note:
There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.

Please also check:
Peter Joyce - actor & narrator
Peter Joyce - British law & politics
Peter Joyce - illustrator

Reviews

[Ice · Rating 3 out of 5]

"From Aardvark to Zebra: Secrets of African Wildlife" is a dictionary of discovery that illuminates the more fascinating wildlife inhabitants of the region. Many of Africa's mammals, birds, insects, reptiles, and even plants have adapted in unusual and often, in our eyes, strange ways to the demands of their environments. Written in an appealing and easy-to-read fashion, the book provides an intriguing glimpse at the wonders of the wild, describing the fierce family loyalties of the elephant; the all too human behavior of the baboon; the dolphin's intelligence, its "language" and its friendship with man; animals and birds that use tools; plants that have evolved ingenious, sometimes bizarre mechanisms for survival and much, much more. Written in the form of 120 brief entries for each animal and plant, and illustrated with charming black and white drawings.

[Tippy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great to pick up and read about one or two animals or plants. Actually, the plant info was the most interesting to me. They have so many cool adaptations and uses!