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Superpower Field Guide
Ostriches: A Hilarious Field Guide About Surprising Animal Abilities for Kids (Ages 8-12)
This third installment in the Superpower Field Guide series features the silly-looking, surprisingly fierce Ostrich. This two-toed torpedo may have the largest eyes of any animal on dry land, but it can outrun most horses!
Meet Eno, an ordinary ostrich living in the Serengeti, a corner of the African savanna. But there's something you should know: Even ordinary ostriches are extraordinary. And that includes Eno.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that ostriches are just overgrown chickens with ridiculous necks, skinny legs, and bad attitudes. And you’re right! Believe it or not, that neck helps ostriches run at supersonic speeds. Those skinny legs can kill a lion dead. And these are only a few weapons in Eno's arsenal of superfierce survival skills—Eno has Colossal Orbs of Telescopic Vision, the Impossible Ever-Flow Lung, the Egg of Wonder, and so many more.
You’re still not convinced that ostriches are superpowered, are you? Well, you don’t know ostriches yet. But you will.
Meet Eno, an ordinary ostrich living in the Serengeti, a corner of the African savanna. But there's something you should know: Even ordinary ostriches are extraordinary. And that includes Eno.
I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that ostriches are just overgrown chickens with ridiculous necks, skinny legs, and bad attitudes. And you’re right! Believe it or not, that neck helps ostriches run at supersonic speeds. Those skinny legs can kill a lion dead. And these are only a few weapons in Eno's arsenal of superfierce survival skills—Eno has Colossal Orbs of Telescopic Vision, the Impossible Ever-Flow Lung, the Egg of Wonder, and so many more.
You’re still not convinced that ostriches are superpowered, are you? Well, you don’t know ostriches yet. But you will.
96 pages, Hardcover
Published November 19, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
October 5, 2019
These Superpower Field Guides make me smile. I laugh. I read them out loud to anyone close enough to listen, whether they want to or not. Eno the Ostrich is the most recent addition to the cast of characters that includes Rosalie the mole and Elmer the beaver.
I won't ruin the experience by sharing all Eno's supersonic survivor skills, but you will encounter amazing ostrich facts galore, along with ostrich-related trivia. What do Johnny Cash and an ostrich have in common? You'll find out!
Poliquin and Frith make a great team. Both text and images evoke serious humor. While these books are reviewed for students in mid-/upper elementary, there is no reason they shouldn't find a home in middle school and, dare I say, high school libraries. And I say this as a high school librarian. For parents reading this book and its predecessors, the illustrations and conversational text will appeal to students in the target range as well as younger. Poliquin doesn't shy away from proper nomenclature, but she also makes concepts easy to understand, especially in terms of anatomy and biology. Also included are a glossary with all the fancy terms as well as suggestions for further learning.
You need to know more about ostriches. (And beavers. And moles.) And it doesn't even require immunizations, plane tickets, and safari reservations.
I won't ruin the experience by sharing all Eno's supersonic survivor skills, but you will encounter amazing ostrich facts galore, along with ostrich-related trivia. What do Johnny Cash and an ostrich have in common? You'll find out!
Poliquin and Frith make a great team. Both text and images evoke serious humor. While these books are reviewed for students in mid-/upper elementary, there is no reason they shouldn't find a home in middle school and, dare I say, high school libraries. And I say this as a high school librarian. For parents reading this book and its predecessors, the illustrations and conversational text will appeal to students in the target range as well as younger. Poliquin doesn't shy away from proper nomenclature, but she also makes concepts easy to understand, especially in terms of anatomy and biology. Also included are a glossary with all the fancy terms as well as suggestions for further learning.
You need to know more about ostriches. (And beavers. And moles.) And it doesn't even require immunizations, plane tickets, and safari reservations.
June 14, 2023
I never had any particular interest in ostriches, but (having stumbled across How to Promenade with a Python (and Not Get Eaten) a while back) I'm on a Rachel Poliquin kick and her books never fail to blow my mind. Ostriches are fascinating! Just like Moles and Beavers (and, I'm sure, Eels -- but I haven't read that one yet).
Like the other books in this series, Ostriches presents complex facts in an approachable, entertaining, and memorable fashion. There are so many nonfiction books that merely rattle off facts, but Poliquin shows readers the whole enchilada: the how & why, the connections, and how everything fits into the big picture. I can't wait to read more of her books. Highly recommended for kids 5+ through adults. Yes, really, adults too: you will learn plenty and have fun along the way.
Like the other books in this series, Ostriches presents complex facts in an approachable, entertaining, and memorable fashion. There are so many nonfiction books that merely rattle off facts, but Poliquin shows readers the whole enchilada: the how & why, the connections, and how everything fits into the big picture. I can't wait to read more of her books. Highly recommended for kids 5+ through adults. Yes, really, adults too: you will learn plenty and have fun along the way.
February 28, 2020
With humor and enthusiasm, Rachel Poliquin explains the awe-inspiring features that make these huge birds so amazing. Nicholas John Frith's illustrations perfectly complement the text.
"I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that ostriches are just overgrown chickens with ridiculous necks, skinny legs, and bad attitudes. And you’re right! Believe it or not, that neck helps ostriches run at supersonic speeds. Those skinny legs can kill a lion dead. And these are only a few weapons in Eno's arsenal of superfierce survival skills...."
I also recommend both other books in the series, Beavers and Moles, & I look forward to Eels, on its way. Enjoy!
"I know what you’re thinking. You’re thinking that ostriches are just overgrown chickens with ridiculous necks, skinny legs, and bad attitudes. And you’re right! Believe it or not, that neck helps ostriches run at supersonic speeds. Those skinny legs can kill a lion dead. And these are only a few weapons in Eno's arsenal of superfierce survival skills...."
I also recommend both other books in the series, Beavers and Moles, & I look forward to Eels, on its way. Enjoy!
September 7, 2020
A look at the structure and unique attributes of ostriches.
I really like the engaging way Poliquin tells these tales and Frith's retro illustrations. I felt like Poliquin was running out of stuff to tell about ostriches as she spent almost half the time relating them to dinosaurs. Sorry ostriches, but I think you're the weakest one in this series. I feel like there were less interesting tidbits and side stories about ostriches but maybe that is also because I read this after Eels and that was jam-packed with jaw-dropping info. If you need a resource for kids doing reports on ostriches or more books for kids curious about ostriches look into this.
I really like the engaging way Poliquin tells these tales and Frith's retro illustrations. I felt like Poliquin was running out of stuff to tell about ostriches as she spent almost half the time relating them to dinosaurs. Sorry ostriches, but I think you're the weakest one in this series. I feel like there were less interesting tidbits and side stories about ostriches but maybe that is also because I read this after Eels and that was jam-packed with jaw-dropping info. If you need a resource for kids doing reports on ostriches or more books for kids curious about ostriches look into this.
August 7, 2023
One of my favorite elements is the interactive activity piece, where Poliquin EXPLICITLY says that if this is a library book, please do not write in it. Deep thanks from this librarian.
One of my least favorite elements is the judgey language about animal attributes -- things that are weird or horrible or gross, etc. I think it's supposed to be funny and draw kids in, but I think Poliquin could just lean on the superpower angle, the way that those features are unique and have special purposes, instead of mentioning how strange or weird they all are.
But the overall package is fun and engaging and I've enjoyed every one that I've read. I'm hoping for more!
One of my least favorite elements is the judgey language about animal attributes -- things that are weird or horrible or gross, etc. I think it's supposed to be funny and draw kids in, but I think Poliquin could just lean on the superpower angle, the way that those features are unique and have special purposes, instead of mentioning how strange or weird they all are.
But the overall package is fun and engaging and I've enjoyed every one that I've read. I'm hoping for more!
February 24, 2020
Ostriches really are remarkable animals, and this energetic and engaging field guide is sure to excite and educate readers about all of their “superpowers.” Tall, fast, fierce, powerful, ostriches have evolved to survive in the African savannah, which can be hot, dry, and unforgiving (as well as being the home to a number of predators that are happy to prey upon these flightless birds – if they can catch them and if the ostriches weren’t experts at self-defense). Fun to read and full of interesting facts.
November 14, 2020
I don’t often rate and review a lot of the books we read aloud, but I do enjoy giving a shout out to those that are stellar.
You might throw a sideways glance when I give a non-fiction book about ostriches that is almost 100 pages 5 stars...
Rachel Poliquin does such an amazing, engaging job sharing so much information that includes biology, history, and math.
The kids had the best time sharing all of the information they learned at dinner with my husband once we finished the book.
We paired this book with The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa Wiley.
SO MUCH FUN! I highly recommend.
You might throw a sideways glance when I give a non-fiction book about ostriches that is almost 100 pages 5 stars...
Rachel Poliquin does such an amazing, engaging job sharing so much information that includes biology, history, and math.
The kids had the best time sharing all of the information they learned at dinner with my husband once we finished the book.
We paired this book with The Nerviest Girl in the World by Melissa Wiley.
SO MUCH FUN! I highly recommend.
June 29, 2020
Just like her books about moles and beavers, Rachel Polquin has given us the amazing facts about Ostriches, highlighting their “superpowers” in order for us to better understand these cool animals. Accompanied by Frith’s delightful illustrations, this book is sure to entertain and enlighten all readers.
October 8, 2021
I love this series. It's very funny and the art is great, but best of all the facts are SO interesting. It's perfect for anyone who wants to learn something new or weird and use that information to bother everyone around them with the information that ostrich eyes are bigger than their brains or whatever.
February 14, 2020
I had so much fun reading this with my grade school daughter. So, entertaining and easy to read and we learned so much. We were telling everyone at the bus stop cool ostrich facts. I guess we are nerds!
September 8, 2020
Travel to Africa to get an up-close look at the features of Eno the ostrich to find out what it is that makes him so super.
I appreciate this series' ability to take facts that you may normally glance over, and make you really think how amazing they are.
I appreciate this series' ability to take facts that you may normally glance over, and make you really think how amazing they are.
February 11, 2020
An entertaining, informative introduction to a badass bird.
June 28, 2020
I simply adore this series. Perfect balance of humor and facts to draw a kid in!
December 3, 2021
Great series, full of information presented in ways that make the information amazing!!
May 21, 2026
A fun informative book with an engaging style. My daughter and I learned a lot.
February 26, 2020
Another great, funny and informative read by Rachel Poliquin. Yes, I learned so much about ostriches, and so did my daughters. She really has picked some interesting animals, you know them, but once you read about them you realize you do not know much about them. At all!
School libraries should carry this book!
We are waiting with full anticipation on the Eels book.
School libraries should carry this book!
We are waiting with full anticipation on the Eels book.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews