Upside Down Animals

by Danielle McLean, Matt Hunt (illustrator)

Genres: Picture Books, Animals

16 pages, Board Book

Published August 12, 2025

About the author

Danielle McLean is a children's book editor who lives in South London, England.

When she's not writing and editing children's books, she can be found in ballet class pursuing her other childhood dream.

Reviews

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Opposites of all kinds can be found in nature, especially in the lives of animals. From monkeys swinging high and low to cats leaping and sleeping, there are many ways to observe the dynamics that make the world what it is. This clever board book connects very young readers to animals and opposites in an engaging way. The text is written utilizing rhyming couplets and a singsong rhythm that make the book a delight to hear when read aloud. Additionally, the words are approachable and familiar, and they are playfully placed on each page. Though a clear narrative story is not its focus, the book is dynamic in its design, which encourages interaction and exploration by both children and their caregivers. In addition to the opposites described by the text, some of the lines are printed so that readers must flip the book over in order to read them, thereby enhancing the kinesthetic understanding of opposites as the book is being read. Colorful, cartoon-like illustrations depict the featured animals utilizing chunky shapes and occasional textures, drawing the attention of young readers as the story progresses. These images are intentionally presented to reflect the text, no matter which orientation the book happens to be in, which is a particularly clever design choice. Brief and entertaining, this unique board book is a treat to share with very young children who are beginning to understand the idea of opposites.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Defy this is creative as one can flip the title over and read it backwards. The entire concept depends upon the illustrations, as either up or down the animals are doing normal natural activities no matter which way one is looking at this title. However, the text does not have a cohesive storyline. The text just describes the individual double boards.
Creative illustrator.

[Bailey Young · Rating 5 out of 5]

Upside Down Animals is a clever, inventive, and rhyming board book! This book is so engaging and unique with its animal transformations. Every page can be flipped upside down to see and read about the animal doing something new. The visual trick and universality is truly brilliant and brings so much joy. I loved this fun read!

[Caroline · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really creative board book that will be fun and engaging for babies. It isn't constructed very well, which might make it hard to play with. I like the mix of matte and glossy printing to add a tactile element.