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Beauty of the Beasts: Rethinking Nature's Least Loved Animals
Wasps. Snakes. Cockroaches. Sharks. We fear them, loathe them and often kill them without question. But what if everything we think we know about these animals is wrong?
In an age of catastrophic biodiversity loss, Beauty of the Beasts is a celebration of nature's underdogs and a call to arms for greater coexistence with the natural world. Drawing on the latest research, Jo Wimpenny explores what shapes our beliefs about other animals, challenging our perceptions of 'good' species and setting the record straight about those we call 'pests' and 'villains'. Looking past these labels allows us to see that many of these animals are ecologically vital and live strikingly complex inner lives.
It may be tempting to imagine a more pleasant world without the animals that scare or repulse us, but such a purge would have devastating consequences. From wasps that provide free pest control and snakes whose venom may cure cancer to the deep social bonds of crocodiles and vultures, this book invites you to rethink our most misunderstood beasts.
In an age of catastrophic biodiversity loss, Beauty of the Beasts is a celebration of nature's underdogs and a call to arms for greater coexistence with the natural world. Drawing on the latest research, Jo Wimpenny explores what shapes our beliefs about other animals, challenging our perceptions of 'good' species and setting the record straight about those we call 'pests' and 'villains'. Looking past these labels allows us to see that many of these animals are ecologically vital and live strikingly complex inner lives.
It may be tempting to imagine a more pleasant world without the animals that scare or repulse us, but such a purge would have devastating consequences. From wasps that provide free pest control and snakes whose venom may cure cancer to the deep social bonds of crocodiles and vultures, this book invites you to rethink our most misunderstood beasts.
320 pages, Hardcover
Published April 28, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
October 26, 2026
Beauty of the Beasts provides a fantastic insight into some of our least-loved animals, encouraging us to pause and consider their inherent value, wisdom, and sentience before writing them off as pests, vermin, or things that don't concern us. Jo Wimpenny weaves complex scientific research into a narrative that is, by turns, eye-opening, personal, surprising, and heart-warming. The book continually reminds us of the pitfalls of viewing animals through a singularly human lens, a theme explored in even greater depth in the final chapter on animals we traditionally find endearing. It concludes with a call for a more compassionate approach to the often indifferent or harmful ways we treat other animals. Reading this book has changed how I think about the beasts I encounter every day, and for this reason, I would recommend it to everyone.
August 12, 2026
In her introduction to Beauty of the Beasts, Jo Wimpenny tells us early on that she set out to “shine a light on the creatures that are hated, reviled, scorned, or simply overlooked. It’s a love letter to the underdogs . . . [aiming] to challenge some of the knee-jerk responses that we all show towards certain animals. To create a bit of friction between the way that we may feel and the way that we may behave.” I’m not quite sure if she’ll achieve her goal of getting people to “go out and champion” rats, snakes, cockroaches, wasps and other such creatures covered here, but I close to certain she will achieve that lesser goal of getting people to feel a bit differently about these animals and maybe even change their behavior toward them.
Wimpenny employs what a “two-pronged approach”, targeting both the readers’ brains and their hearts. The first she attempts to accomplish by documenting the scientific evidence that either debunks some of our deeply held beliefs about the animals or shows how deeply interwoven into our environment they are, such that their removal or decline will cause us a number of problems (yes, even mosquitoes and cockroaches). She targets the readers’ hearts though numerous studies and experiments that reveal the inner lives of the animals, as well as their social lives, showing that these are not simple dumb machines that just happen to be organic. Finally, in a bit of a veer, at the end she turns her attention to our “awwww” animals — those we love and adore — and notes their own sometimes horrifying (and I mean horrifying) proclivities, further emphasizing her point that there are no “good” or “bad” animals, just “animals” we share this world with (and let’s face it, if we were going to crown the worst “bad” animal, the runaway winner would be us, so maybe we should as she advises just not go down that path at all).
She opens with a general chapter on our views toward animals through history, including humans as masters and stewards, the idea the animals were put on Earth for humanity’s benefit, the criminalization of animals and their punishment for their “crimes”, the separatist idea that humans somehow exist outside nature, the ways in which our ever more constricted interaction with actual wild nature increases the chances we will fear nature, and of course, our appalling impact on the natural world through our indifference or sense of superiority.
From there each chapter moves through a number of animals on the “most hated” list, such as the aforementioned ones as well as several others. The first such chapter, for instance, focuses on predators like crocodiles and sharks. Here, Wimpenny brings in the statistics to show how our fear of such creatures, which is rational in the sense that they are powerful and dangerous, is also irrational in the priority we give that fear, since the chances of anyone swimming in the ocean being attacked (let alone killed) by a shark is incredibly unlikely and certainly far less than the chances of drowning. Then, in the “second prong”, we get information that make these creatures a bit more endearing, such as the intricate parental care displayed by crocodiles or the studies that show that sharks possibly have other shark “friends” they prefer to hang out with.
In the chapter on venomous animals (mostly dealing with snakes), we get an example of Wimpenny’s aim to show their utility — though she is clear that utility is not the reason we should stop trying to eradicate these animals — by showcasing how scientists have for decades been turning venom into life-saving medicines. Later chapters point to how bacteria from the gut of cockroaches and the mucus from snails are being turned into beneficial substances, while maggots are being used to clean wounds in hospitals. These sections also delve into the “disgust” and “creep” factors that we often associate with such animals in an interesting discussion on why those feelings form and why we associate them with only certain creatures (fear of contagion is one reason offered, uncanny movement is another).
Wimpenny writes in an engaging, conversational fashion and is always crystal clear in her summaries of the science, making the book wholly and consistently accessible. Studies are also typically recent (or even ongoing). And while she makes an excellent case for changing our views toward and treatment of these animals, she doesn’t gloss over some of the true dangers or risks. One can recognize the reality of the mosquito as the deadliest animal on the planet for humans but also recognize the potential for disaster in removing an entire creature from the ecosystem (our track record on “improving” things with adding or removing animals is not great). She may extol the amazing abilities of cockroaches and correctly point out that the ones we imagine when we hear the word are a very small subset of their incredible diversity, but she doesn’t suggest we put out little welcoming trails of food to lure them into our homes.
While the scientific evidence on the creatures’ attributes and behaviors is often fascinating and, as noted, quite convincing in terms of her goals, the often more fascinating (and less familiar for me given that I read a lot of popular science) elements are when she delves into the human psychology. Those feelings of disgust and creepiness, as mentioned, or what is that we respond to so positively in the “good” animals, or why we can’t just wrap our allegedly superior brains around the huge gap between actual risk and perceived risk. The other mostly new to me section was when she ripped the veil off the “good” creatures in terms of the way we view them versus their actual documented behaviors, including “murdering babies, gang rape, tribal wars, necrophilia [yes—you read that right], feasting on feces,” etc. That chapter was eye-opening as well as gruesome.
If I had any quibble with the book, and it is just one, it’s that every now and then I had the sense that we were speeding too quickly to a conclusion or through a study, skating a bit too much on the surface. Outside of that, Beauty of the Beasts was a fun, enjoyable, and informative read as well as one with a worthy goal. Recommended.
Wimpenny employs what a “two-pronged approach”, targeting both the readers’ brains and their hearts. The first she attempts to accomplish by documenting the scientific evidence that either debunks some of our deeply held beliefs about the animals or shows how deeply interwoven into our environment they are, such that their removal or decline will cause us a number of problems (yes, even mosquitoes and cockroaches). She targets the readers’ hearts though numerous studies and experiments that reveal the inner lives of the animals, as well as their social lives, showing that these are not simple dumb machines that just happen to be organic. Finally, in a bit of a veer, at the end she turns her attention to our “awwww” animals — those we love and adore — and notes their own sometimes horrifying (and I mean horrifying) proclivities, further emphasizing her point that there are no “good” or “bad” animals, just “animals” we share this world with (and let’s face it, if we were going to crown the worst “bad” animal, the runaway winner would be us, so maybe we should as she advises just not go down that path at all).
She opens with a general chapter on our views toward animals through history, including humans as masters and stewards, the idea the animals were put on Earth for humanity’s benefit, the criminalization of animals and their punishment for their “crimes”, the separatist idea that humans somehow exist outside nature, the ways in which our ever more constricted interaction with actual wild nature increases the chances we will fear nature, and of course, our appalling impact on the natural world through our indifference or sense of superiority.
From there each chapter moves through a number of animals on the “most hated” list, such as the aforementioned ones as well as several others. The first such chapter, for instance, focuses on predators like crocodiles and sharks. Here, Wimpenny brings in the statistics to show how our fear of such creatures, which is rational in the sense that they are powerful and dangerous, is also irrational in the priority we give that fear, since the chances of anyone swimming in the ocean being attacked (let alone killed) by a shark is incredibly unlikely and certainly far less than the chances of drowning. Then, in the “second prong”, we get information that make these creatures a bit more endearing, such as the intricate parental care displayed by crocodiles or the studies that show that sharks possibly have other shark “friends” they prefer to hang out with.
In the chapter on venomous animals (mostly dealing with snakes), we get an example of Wimpenny’s aim to show their utility — though she is clear that utility is not the reason we should stop trying to eradicate these animals — by showcasing how scientists have for decades been turning venom into life-saving medicines. Later chapters point to how bacteria from the gut of cockroaches and the mucus from snails are being turned into beneficial substances, while maggots are being used to clean wounds in hospitals. These sections also delve into the “disgust” and “creep” factors that we often associate with such animals in an interesting discussion on why those feelings form and why we associate them with only certain creatures (fear of contagion is one reason offered, uncanny movement is another).
Wimpenny writes in an engaging, conversational fashion and is always crystal clear in her summaries of the science, making the book wholly and consistently accessible. Studies are also typically recent (or even ongoing). And while she makes an excellent case for changing our views toward and treatment of these animals, she doesn’t gloss over some of the true dangers or risks. One can recognize the reality of the mosquito as the deadliest animal on the planet for humans but also recognize the potential for disaster in removing an entire creature from the ecosystem (our track record on “improving” things with adding or removing animals is not great). She may extol the amazing abilities of cockroaches and correctly point out that the ones we imagine when we hear the word are a very small subset of their incredible diversity, but she doesn’t suggest we put out little welcoming trails of food to lure them into our homes.
While the scientific evidence on the creatures’ attributes and behaviors is often fascinating and, as noted, quite convincing in terms of her goals, the often more fascinating (and less familiar for me given that I read a lot of popular science) elements are when she delves into the human psychology. Those feelings of disgust and creepiness, as mentioned, or what is that we respond to so positively in the “good” animals, or why we can’t just wrap our allegedly superior brains around the huge gap between actual risk and perceived risk. The other mostly new to me section was when she ripped the veil off the “good” creatures in terms of the way we view them versus their actual documented behaviors, including “murdering babies, gang rape, tribal wars, necrophilia [yes—you read that right], feasting on feces,” etc. That chapter was eye-opening as well as gruesome.
If I had any quibble with the book, and it is just one, it’s that every now and then I had the sense that we were speeding too quickly to a conclusion or through a study, skating a bit too much on the surface. Outside of that, Beauty of the Beasts was a fun, enjoyable, and informative read as well as one with a worthy goal. Recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Think of the little critters of nature... They don't know that they're pretty!
This book is about various hated animals, and why you should not do that. Most chapters are framed around a type of unpopular animal, with longer investigations into different particular animals.
Overall it is a good read. The research is fresh and the author's enthusiasm a delight. The problem is that it reads like a series of articles in search of a thesis, at least until the end.
The focus here is on animal behavior. Animals have more interesting social lives and display more "intelligence" and awareness than given credit for in either science or conventional wisdom. That is a great read, but the arc of it towards better treatment or more love towards these animals is, well, look, I know how humans treat humans. The society of the vulture or the giggling of the rat is not going to move hearts and minds.
It does knit together better in the closing chapters. The focus gets to be on vermin and other more powerfully disliked animals, including thinking about what a good relationship with them would even look like. It also takes on cuteness as a concept, getting into the science there and also how deceiving it is. Otters, for instance, hate everything. That coherence is interesting in the much more philosophical dimension of what it means to hate or love nature, and mixes it with the science behind it all well.
Maybe the most interesting question raised is how we are to relate the sort of psychological benefits of the natural world with this inherent dislike of some class of the natural world. Overall, if you treat it as something of a random walk through the science of animal lives, it is solid. I just do not know if it sets out what it desires to do.
My thanks to the author, Jo Wimpenny, for writing the book, and to the publisher, Bloomsbury USA, for making the ARC available to me.
This book is about various hated animals, and why you should not do that. Most chapters are framed around a type of unpopular animal, with longer investigations into different particular animals.
Overall it is a good read. The research is fresh and the author's enthusiasm a delight. The problem is that it reads like a series of articles in search of a thesis, at least until the end.
The focus here is on animal behavior. Animals have more interesting social lives and display more "intelligence" and awareness than given credit for in either science or conventional wisdom. That is a great read, but the arc of it towards better treatment or more love towards these animals is, well, look, I know how humans treat humans. The society of the vulture or the giggling of the rat is not going to move hearts and minds.
It does knit together better in the closing chapters. The focus gets to be on vermin and other more powerfully disliked animals, including thinking about what a good relationship with them would even look like. It also takes on cuteness as a concept, getting into the science there and also how deceiving it is. Otters, for instance, hate everything. That coherence is interesting in the much more philosophical dimension of what it means to hate or love nature, and mixes it with the science behind it all well.
Maybe the most interesting question raised is how we are to relate the sort of psychological benefits of the natural world with this inherent dislike of some class of the natural world. Overall, if you treat it as something of a random walk through the science of animal lives, it is solid. I just do not know if it sets out what it desires to do.
My thanks to the author, Jo Wimpenny, for writing the book, and to the publisher, Bloomsbury USA, for making the ARC available to me.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
It took me a little longer than usual to read this book because my cat caught fleas! While bathing the culprit, doing laundry and vacuuming, I kept asking the universe, why do these creatures even exist? (They’re a great source of protein for spiders, ants, beetles and amphibians). These tiny parasites are not covered in this amazing volume, but many of their brethren are, and there is a reason for their existence. Rejecting the anthropocentric notion that we are the masters of nature, Wimpenny explores many of the species that we consider pests. Why are we scared of spiders or sharks? Did you know that rats laugh and play? Is our fear of snakes genetic or learned? The author includes scientific experiments, as well as anecdotal evidence (my favorite) showing these animals in a way that we don’t usually see them. The facts show that we’re prejudiced based on looks, and that applies to every creature. Vertebrates and invertebrates of all species feature here (I especially loved Wimpenny’s visit to a vulture sanctuary, I love those guys!) I had to skip some parts that included horrific cruelty to animals, but the rest of the book is approachable, easy to follow and very interesting. There is a chapter devoted to our favorite animals behaving badly (I knew about dolphins but OMG those otters!). I didn’t need to read this to appreciate all species, learning to overcome my fear of the huge hobo spiders that I find in my house sometimes; but it was nice to learn some facts that I can use to convince other people not to hurt anyone. Everyone should read this book.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Bloomsbury Wildlife.
I chose to read this book and all opinions in this review are my own and completely unbiased. Thank you, NetGalley/Bloomsbury Wildlife.
May 2, 2026
Beauty of the Beasts: Rethinking Nature’s Least Loved Animals was such an interesting and thoughtful read. In this book, Jo Wimpenny takes a closer look at animals that are often labeled as pests, dangerous, or disgusting, and reframes them through a scientific and compassionate lens.
What I really appreciated is how the book blends research with accessibility. Wimpenny breaks down the natural behaviors of these animals in a way that’s easy to understand without feeling overly technical or dense. Through recent studies, they highlight something I didn’t expect to be such a central theme: that even the most misunderstood creatures are capable of emotion and complexity, showing signs of play, fear, and even dream.
The book also doesn’t shy away from the human side of things. It addresses the many ways people have tried to eradicate these species, both directly and indirectly, while emphasizing the crucial roles they play in maintaining ecosystems and, ultimately, supporting human life as well.
From sharks and crocodiles to insects and other creepy crawlies, this is a well-rounded and engaging introduction to animals we tend to overlook or vilify. It’s informative without being overwhelming, and it definitely left me thinking differently about some of nature’s least loved creatures.
A very accessible and eye-opening read overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for the eARC! All thoughts are my own.
What I really appreciated is how the book blends research with accessibility. Wimpenny breaks down the natural behaviors of these animals in a way that’s easy to understand without feeling overly technical or dense. Through recent studies, they highlight something I didn’t expect to be such a central theme: that even the most misunderstood creatures are capable of emotion and complexity, showing signs of play, fear, and even dream.
The book also doesn’t shy away from the human side of things. It addresses the many ways people have tried to eradicate these species, both directly and indirectly, while emphasizing the crucial roles they play in maintaining ecosystems and, ultimately, supporting human life as well.
From sharks and crocodiles to insects and other creepy crawlies, this is a well-rounded and engaging introduction to animals we tend to overlook or vilify. It’s informative without being overwhelming, and it definitely left me thinking differently about some of nature’s least loved creatures.
A very accessible and eye-opening read overall.
Thank you to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for the eARC! All thoughts are my own.
May 19, 2026
If you grew up watching The Crocodile Hunter befriending and cuddling the un-cuddle-able animals in order to aid in their preservation and acceptance, this is a book for you.
The author dives into the lives of “undesirable” or unattractive animals to show that all animals are beneficial and needed in our environment, especially the ones we are quick to vilify (often apex predators and detritivores). We need more acceptance and education of animals in order to live WITH them because we need them.
You’ll be left with a lot of fun animal facts and a new appreciation for animals. I especially loved the section about mice— how they care for their family and that they love to be tickled. 🥹
“The ecological, and often economical, reasons for tolerating nature as a whole, rather than little pieces of it, are conclusive enough, but I didn't want to just write about what wildlife can do for us. I also wanted to convince you that these animals are fascinating in their own right. I want you to go away and tell people that wasps, cockroaches, and mosquitos have important roles in the web of life, but also that crocodiles are thoughtful parents, sharks seek out company, and rats love being tickled. In doing so, I'm trying to give these creatures another side; I want to pad them out in the mind, transform them from two-dimensional characters (villain', pest) to complex living entities, many of whom have their own thoughts, feelings, motivations and fears. It will take time but the more that we understand about these beasts, especially about why they do things and how they are similar to us, the more likely we are to tolerate, if not care, about them.”
The author dives into the lives of “undesirable” or unattractive animals to show that all animals are beneficial and needed in our environment, especially the ones we are quick to vilify (often apex predators and detritivores). We need more acceptance and education of animals in order to live WITH them because we need them.
You’ll be left with a lot of fun animal facts and a new appreciation for animals. I especially loved the section about mice— how they care for their family and that they love to be tickled. 🥹
“The ecological, and often economical, reasons for tolerating nature as a whole, rather than little pieces of it, are conclusive enough, but I didn't want to just write about what wildlife can do for us. I also wanted to convince you that these animals are fascinating in their own right. I want you to go away and tell people that wasps, cockroaches, and mosquitos have important roles in the web of life, but also that crocodiles are thoughtful parents, sharks seek out company, and rats love being tickled. In doing so, I'm trying to give these creatures another side; I want to pad them out in the mind, transform them from two-dimensional characters (villain', pest) to complex living entities, many of whom have their own thoughts, feelings, motivations and fears. It will take time but the more that we understand about these beasts, especially about why they do things and how they are similar to us, the more likely we are to tolerate, if not care, about them.”
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was an interesting and educational read!
Beauty of the Beast: Rethinking Nature's Least Loved Animals is written with an engaging tone that is easy to understand since it’s not science-heavy. I liked that each chapter was organized and dedicated to certain animals/pests with a goal of providing the reader with the facts and tools to respond to future interactions. I found the information fascinating, and it’s well-researched. The author also presents a strong case by balancing fascinating facts with a passionate defense for why these "pests" are deserving of a second chance.
I found the cute illustrations at the start of each chapter were an adorable addition as well! Overall, I was even surprised that I found myself inspired to reconsider what I think about a few pests I despise. I didn’t think that’d be something I’d be considering after reading this book. I highly recommend this book as it’s a passionate read where the author does a fantastic job championing the misunderstood underdog.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
Beauty of the Beast: Rethinking Nature's Least Loved Animals is written with an engaging tone that is easy to understand since it’s not science-heavy. I liked that each chapter was organized and dedicated to certain animals/pests with a goal of providing the reader with the facts and tools to respond to future interactions. I found the information fascinating, and it’s well-researched. The author also presents a strong case by balancing fascinating facts with a passionate defense for why these "pests" are deserving of a second chance.
I found the cute illustrations at the start of each chapter were an adorable addition as well! Overall, I was even surprised that I found myself inspired to reconsider what I think about a few pests I despise. I didn’t think that’d be something I’d be considering after reading this book. I highly recommend this book as it’s a passionate read where the author does a fantastic job championing the misunderstood underdog.
Thank you NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for the ARC(advanced reader copy) in return for an honest review.
May 15, 2026
A very readable, entertaining look at the animals most people aren't fans of. I, however, very much like snakes, sharks, spiders, vultures and more (I still can't do maggots, I'm sorry to say. I can appreciate their importance. I just prefer them to do their thing from several hundred feet or more away). But it was still so interesting to learn more about them and how/why many others either fear or loathe them.
My favorite part of this books was the rats. I am not super informed on rat behavior, but after reading this, I think I may love them. Did you know they can giggle? I did not. Or that they can drive tiny cars? Also didn't know. And now I will forever find joy in imagining rats driving their little cars around while giggling madly.
But there is also so much more to learn. I really think books like this are so important. Animals and nature play such a large role in our world. Even the ones that we may dislike or hate or fear. So, understanding how cool and fascinating they can be goes a long way in making us appreciate all animals, even the weird ones. And how important it is to save them before it's too late.
My favorite part of this books was the rats. I am not super informed on rat behavior, but after reading this, I think I may love them. Did you know they can giggle? I did not. Or that they can drive tiny cars? Also didn't know. And now I will forever find joy in imagining rats driving their little cars around while giggling madly.
But there is also so much more to learn. I really think books like this are so important. Animals and nature play such a large role in our world. Even the ones that we may dislike or hate or fear. So, understanding how cool and fascinating they can be goes a long way in making us appreciate all animals, even the weird ones. And how important it is to save them before it's too late.
September 19, 2026
I really enjoyed this book. I am someone who already appreciates the natural world, so I'd love to see whether it had the desired effect on someone who didn't. But even for me, there was still plenty of interesting content I was not aware of, such as that rats like being tickled and the incredibly important role played by vultures! It is crazy how many different services the natural world and everything in it provides if we only stopped interfering and let nature get on with it!
I'm not sure the chapter pointing out that some animals that are traditionally viewed as 'good' can have some very bad habits was necessary. As the book itself explains, changing people's preconceived ideas and psychological response to animals can be hard, so that chapter somewhat risks people finding more animals to dislike. Otherwise a great book and I certainly hope it helps some people think twice before reaching for the bug spray!
I'm not sure the chapter pointing out that some animals that are traditionally viewed as 'good' can have some very bad habits was necessary. As the book itself explains, changing people's preconceived ideas and psychological response to animals can be hard, so that chapter somewhat risks people finding more animals to dislike. Otherwise a great book and I certainly hope it helps some people think twice before reaching for the bug spray!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Thank you Netgalley for this arc! I loved this! I feel like a little kid full of fun facts that I NEED to share. Normally I am not a non fiction person so having this chopped up into such concise and well themed chapters was amazing! I am looking forward to using this both in my english and social classes and recommending it to any biology or ecology teachers in my school.
Some favourite tidbits from the book:
- Animals used to be tried like criminals and some poor moles were excommunicated
- “our embrace of technology over nature makes it easy to forget that for much of our evolutionary history we were simply a source of meat for bigger scarier animals”
- Sharks understand and live for the weekend too. Sharks! They are just like us!
Some favourite tidbits from the book:
- Animals used to be tried like criminals and some poor moles were excommunicated
- “our embrace of technology over nature makes it easy to forget that for much of our evolutionary history we were simply a source of meat for bigger scarier animals”
- Sharks understand and live for the weekend too. Sharks! They are just like us!
July 11, 2026
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury USA for the ARC. This book was fascinating and gave me so much to think about. I don’t think I will be able to look at any animal the same way again. While I certainly took umbrage with the section on otters, it was also craftily done to bring home the author’s thesis.
September 20, 2026
I went to a talk by the author which I found fascinating so I decided to read her latest book. This is a very readable book which certainly made me reflect on my attitude to various creatures. I was also surprised by some of the interconnectedness of nature. For example to decline in vultures in India has resulted in more human deaths. I plan to look for more of her books.
May 22, 2026
Did you know that blobfish don't look like that?!
Get lost in nature, specifically the areas you likely haven't given much thought to lately. Wasps, rats, snakes, and vultures await your newly adoring gaze. Or at least less side eye.
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
Get lost in nature, specifically the areas you likely haven't given much thought to lately. Wasps, rats, snakes, and vultures await your newly adoring gaze. Or at least less side eye.
**I received my copy from Netgalley.
June 22, 2026
All thanks to Dr leker for the help you rendered to me by helping me to restore my relationship back.You can DM todays if you need his help him drleker307@gmail.com or WhatsApp number +234 703 950 2986
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2026
This book was fascinating! It was so interesting to learn more about these creatures, their place in nature, and the ways certain creatures have been villainized.
August 24, 2026
Read this at my dad’s recommendation; it was super interesting but very slow going!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Beauty of the Beasts was a fascinating look at why so many of the unloved creatures deserve our regard, and demonstrates their place in the ecosystem. For instance, we hate mosquitos, but only a few varieties (and solely the females!) are the blood-sucking fiends we loathe, and bats and many birds feast on them all. Wasps are pollinators, pest control specialists, and very few are actually antagonistic toward humans. Highly recommend! Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury Wildlife for the opportunity to read the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you would have told me that I would savor reading Beauty of the Beasts, I would have laughed at you. I knew going in that information about human impact and relationship with nature can be a painful read even when you agree with the argument being made. And yet it took me absolute ages to get through this book because I had to sit with a notebook every time to pull quotes and content that I will use in my classroom and beyond. (You do not want to know how many people learned that sharks can have friends shortly after I did.)
The book is a success in part because Jo Wimpenny pulls off a tone that both values humanity as part of the natural world and has unflinching honesty about our foibles. Anytime the medicine starts to gets too bitter, she sweetens things with fascinating discoveries about animals, ecosystems and humanity itself. I can honestly say that her chapter on predators will and has changed how I teach about the concept of keystone species, and that is only the start. She challenges our view of why different creatures are unloved in a variety of different and fascinating angles. This includes absolutely breaking my heart by introducing the concept of a synathrope, a species evolved to live in human made environments, and then immediately pointing out how much we despise most of them.
The only place there is a little stumble, perhaps, is the placement of the chapter talking about how animals we view as morally good have as many or more flaws than those who aren't as favored. There is a particular focus on dolphins, hedgehogs, and penguins. It feels a little like a weird emotional gotcha where it might have been more balanced coming after the chapter that focused on how humans treat cute versus ugly animals. Still, that is far from enough to sour me on a fantastic read with solid arguments for how humanity needs to pragmatically change its relationship with unloved creatures.
This is sure to be a classroom staple for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA for the ARC of this book.
The book is a success in part because Jo Wimpenny pulls off a tone that both values humanity as part of the natural world and has unflinching honesty about our foibles. Anytime the medicine starts to gets too bitter, she sweetens things with fascinating discoveries about animals, ecosystems and humanity itself. I can honestly say that her chapter on predators will and has changed how I teach about the concept of keystone species, and that is only the start. She challenges our view of why different creatures are unloved in a variety of different and fascinating angles. This includes absolutely breaking my heart by introducing the concept of a synathrope, a species evolved to live in human made environments, and then immediately pointing out how much we despise most of them.
The only place there is a little stumble, perhaps, is the placement of the chapter talking about how animals we view as morally good have as many or more flaws than those who aren't as favored. There is a particular focus on dolphins, hedgehogs, and penguins. It feels a little like a weird emotional gotcha where it might have been more balanced coming after the chapter that focused on how humans treat cute versus ugly animals. Still, that is far from enough to sour me on a fantastic read with solid arguments for how humanity needs to pragmatically change its relationship with unloved creatures.
This is sure to be a classroom staple for me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Bloomsbury USA for the ARC of this book.
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