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Humanimal: Incredible Ways Animals Are Just Like Us!
So you think you’re special? Just because people have built cities, invented pop-up toasters and put people on the Moon that they are somehow different from (or better than) other living things? Well it’s time to think again! Humanimal explores the interconnections of the human and natural worlds in ways you never before imagined... Inside you will discover This richly illustrated, mesmerizing exploration shows that humans and other animals don’t just live on the same planet, they also share many of the same patterns of behavior, making us all fellow players in the drama that is life on Earth. Fascinating and stunningly illustrated, Humanimal explores and celebrates the astonishing ways in which animals and humans are alike. Written by Christopher Lloyd, the bestselling author of Absolutely Everything! , and illustrated by the superbly talented Mark Ruffle. Including a colorful jacket with a wonderful animal surprise underneath, this book will astound and amaze children aged 7–11, along with their family and friends, too!
48 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2019
3 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
About the author
Christopher Lloyd
63 books51 followersBestselling author Christopher Lloyd began his career as a journalist with the Sunday Times newspaper. Then, while camping with his family, he had a critical realization: Even with a 1st class degree in history from Cambridge University and experience as a science writer, there was so much about the world he didn't know. So, he set out to write books that zoom out and tell the big stories, opening readers' eyes to how seemingly unrelated events fit together and showing them multiple perspectives on the world, all in highly engaging prose and matched with lively illustration and photography.
Now, with more than 20 books in print, some in over a dozen languages, Christopher divides his time between writing books for adults and children and delivering lectures and workshops to schools, literary festivals, and a wide range of other venues around the world.
Now, with more than 20 books in print, some in over a dozen languages, Christopher divides his time between writing books for adults and children and delivering lectures and workshops to schools, literary festivals, and a wide range of other venues around the world.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
April 1, 2025
My rating is for the audio version alone. I listened to Humanimal, which features a great narrator and sound effects of animals. The content was about the basic habits and characteristics we share with certain animals, including farming, invention, and deception.
I couldn't get the book, and without the pictures, I think kids would find the audio alone somewhat boring and unrealistic. But I see a few pictures on web that I imagine belong to this, so I strongly suggest having a picture book within so that children can enjoy both the visuals and the audio.
Thank you to Publisher Spotlight Audio via NetGalley for the ARC. I have given my honest review.
I couldn't get the book, and without the pictures, I think kids would find the audio alone somewhat boring and unrealistic. But I see a few pictures on web that I imagine belong to this, so I strongly suggest having a picture book within so that children can enjoy both the visuals and the audio.
Thank you to Publisher Spotlight Audio via NetGalley for the ARC. I have given my honest review.
March 31, 2025
As someone with young nieces and nephews, I’m always on the hunt for good books and audiobooks to interest kids. Little did I know I’d be sucked into this as well! I particularly loved the beginning where the author talks about how humans and animals both live in community. It’s a great way to understand how much we have in common with animals.
One of my favorite parts was the comparison of how humans raise cows for milk and how ants essentially raise aphids for the sugary water they create.
The narrator is amazing and really engaging. The combination of narration with sound effects really creates an immersive experience that my niblings will definitely love.
Thank you Christopher Lloyd and The Audio Agency for the ALC!
March 31, 2025
Disclaimer: Thank you NetGalley for the copy of the audio in exchange for an honest review.
This is the perfect book for a 1 hour car trip with animal loving elementary school age children. It has a lot of interesting facts about how the similarities between humans and animals. I think adults in the car will enjoy it just as much as children.
This is the perfect book for a 1 hour car trip with animal loving elementary school age children. It has a lot of interesting facts about how the similarities between humans and animals. I think adults in the car will enjoy it just as much as children.
January 29, 2020
A fun way to look at how animals are just like us. Full of facts and fun. Great illustrations
October 29, 2019
This one is a 3.5 for me. With pretty nifty artwork and abundant examples, the author and illustrator provide evidence that animals and humans have a lot more in common than might have been previously acknowledged. The text is accessible, engaging, and invites contemplation about these commonalities as well as the animals being highlighted. For reader clarity and organization, the book is divided into sections on community, feelings, and intelligence. There are various subheads and related topics nestled under those main topics. By the time readers explore the sections on language, deception, puzzle solving, and invention, they will be firmly in the camp of those who agree with Lloyd's contention that a new term needs to be coined for the two--animals and humans--because they have so much in common. The back matter includes a glossary and thumbnail sketches of 15 individuals who make their living studying animals like those in the book. This one would be a fine inclusion in a science classroom library because the approach is unique and because the subject truly is fascinating. I felt smarter and more aware after reading it, and I doubt that I will look at animals in the same way again.
November 25, 2019
Thick and dense, this is a hefty book created for animal lovers. This book makes parallels between humans and animals on a huge range of topics from social behavior to emotions to intelligence. I enjoyed the bold graphic illustrations. I liked the range of animals included. There is no doubt that a wealth of interesting information is included on these pages. Although long picture books seem to becoming a new trend this year, I wonder if this one could have been either lengthened further as more of a encyclopedia, reference type book or distilled more into a true picture book. Regardless, my animal lovers thoroughly enjoyed the illustrations and reading the tidbits about the different animals.
November 9, 2019
Love everything I've seen from this publisher! A very cool new picture book that extensively explores the commonalities between animal and human behavior.
January 9, 2023
This has been a book on TBR list for quite a while but since it was digital at the time I kept choosing to skirt it until I was able to get a copy.
In the book's Foreword the author takes the reader on a brief although incomplete trek of humanity's evolution into the concept of human superiority over animals and then its gradual challenge with today's scientific discoveries. This is probably one of the only areas that I must take a bit of insult from the author and that is since he mentions the ancestors of today's indigenous people although technically I think he can mention the respectful feelings of all of humanity's ancestors for animals whether you were indigenous or not since we have plenty of artwork from around the world like the Lascaux Caves to prove that all of our early ancestors were fascinated and respectful of the beasts around them.
Anyway the book then gets down to presenting its case by tackling three very important concepts to humans - our communities, our feelings and of course our intelligence. Each of these sections leads off with a few paragraphs either exploring what makes each of these facets so very important or asking questions that are still bothering humans even now while also exploring how these same facets are being challenged by the animal world around us.
To explore the further aspects of each of these situations such as farming and city living the reader is presented with actual animal species that may cope also with that issue. The information is provided in an educational way that isn't too heavy for young readers but rather simple to understand and follow along while at the same time trying to get the reader to think of the issue at hands. Would visiting aliens be just as surprised to know that fish also know how to farm just like ants, termites and of course humans?
The illustrations are not based on colored photographs but instead representations in bright colors, which in my opinion takes a bit away from the book although it does allow the reader to see all these animals without there being a hodge-podge of mediums. But even so with that in mind I wish the book wasn't so big in size and the illustrations had been scaled down since there were several that were stuck in the middle thus you were missing the details such as the mother polar bear's face.
All in all it is a fascinating subject and one that will have readers of all ages thinking as well as hopefully seeing the world around us in a new light. And for those who are wanting to use this book for a scientific library there is included in the back a biography section that explores each name that was mentioned with the animals with a good representation of both genders, their mentioned fields and a blurb for those who may be interested to learn more about them.
In the book's Foreword the author takes the reader on a brief although incomplete trek of humanity's evolution into the concept of human superiority over animals and then its gradual challenge with today's scientific discoveries. This is probably one of the only areas that I must take a bit of insult from the author and that is since he mentions the ancestors of today's indigenous people although technically I think he can mention the respectful feelings of all of humanity's ancestors for animals whether you were indigenous or not since we have plenty of artwork from around the world like the Lascaux Caves to prove that all of our early ancestors were fascinated and respectful of the beasts around them.
Anyway the book then gets down to presenting its case by tackling three very important concepts to humans - our communities, our feelings and of course our intelligence. Each of these sections leads off with a few paragraphs either exploring what makes each of these facets so very important or asking questions that are still bothering humans even now while also exploring how these same facets are being challenged by the animal world around us.
To explore the further aspects of each of these situations such as farming and city living the reader is presented with actual animal species that may cope also with that issue. The information is provided in an educational way that isn't too heavy for young readers but rather simple to understand and follow along while at the same time trying to get the reader to think of the issue at hands. Would visiting aliens be just as surprised to know that fish also know how to farm just like ants, termites and of course humans?
The illustrations are not based on colored photographs but instead representations in bright colors, which in my opinion takes a bit away from the book although it does allow the reader to see all these animals without there being a hodge-podge of mediums. But even so with that in mind I wish the book wasn't so big in size and the illustrations had been scaled down since there were several that were stuck in the middle thus you were missing the details such as the mother polar bear's face.
All in all it is a fascinating subject and one that will have readers of all ages thinking as well as hopefully seeing the world around us in a new light. And for those who are wanting to use this book for a scientific library there is included in the back a biography section that explores each name that was mentioned with the animals with a good representation of both genders, their mentioned fields and a blurb for those who may be interested to learn more about them.
April 4, 2025
A Fascinating Look at the Blurred Lines Between Humans and Animals
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Christopher Lloyd’s Humanimal is an eye-opening exploration of the surprising ways in which humans and animals are more alike than we might think. With engaging storytelling and a wealth of fascinating facts, Lloyd dismantles the idea that humans are entirely separate from the rest of the animal kingdom.
From laughing rats to maze-solving slime molds, the book is packed with incredible examples of intelligence, emotion, and problem-solving in the natural world. Who knew that bees vote on nest locations, whales carry their dead babies on long journeys, or that elephants mourn their dead in funeral-like rituals? The book even touches on the groundbreaking work of Jane Goodall, whose studies of gorillas revealed their complex social structures, emotional depth, and ability to use tools—traits once thought to be uniquely human. Each chapter introduces new revelations that challenge our assumptions about what it means to be "special."
Lloyd’s writing is accessible and engaging, making complex scientific ideas easy to grasp. However, at times, the book moves quickly from one topic to the next, leaving some subjects feeling a bit underexplored. While the rapid pace keeps the energy high, readers who enjoy deeper dives into scientific concepts may wish for more detail in certain areas.
Overall, Humanimal is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will leave you marveling at the interconnectedness of life on Earth. A great pick for curious minds of all ages!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Christopher Lloyd’s Humanimal is an eye-opening exploration of the surprising ways in which humans and animals are more alike than we might think. With engaging storytelling and a wealth of fascinating facts, Lloyd dismantles the idea that humans are entirely separate from the rest of the animal kingdom.
From laughing rats to maze-solving slime molds, the book is packed with incredible examples of intelligence, emotion, and problem-solving in the natural world. Who knew that bees vote on nest locations, whales carry their dead babies on long journeys, or that elephants mourn their dead in funeral-like rituals? The book even touches on the groundbreaking work of Jane Goodall, whose studies of gorillas revealed their complex social structures, emotional depth, and ability to use tools—traits once thought to be uniquely human. Each chapter introduces new revelations that challenge our assumptions about what it means to be "special."
Lloyd’s writing is accessible and engaging, making complex scientific ideas easy to grasp. However, at times, the book moves quickly from one topic to the next, leaving some subjects feeling a bit underexplored. While the rapid pace keeps the energy high, readers who enjoy deeper dives into scientific concepts may wish for more detail in certain areas.
Overall, Humanimal is a thought-provoking and entertaining read that will leave you marveling at the interconnectedness of life on Earth. A great pick for curious minds of all ages!
April 3, 2025
Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced ALC of this book
(When I read books like this mainly based for children I look at them with certain questions
Is it enjoyable?
How much is it understandable?
Is it educational?
Etc)
Firstly the narrator for this audiobook was great and his voice gave a calm but fun approach to the information being shared & secondly, the book is very enjoyable and full of fun facts for children to know more about some of the animals we share this planet with explaining how similar we are to our little animal friends... I can see children loving this and smiling at the and maybe even laughing 😃 along the way.
The educational information given is in short bursts for each animal listed (I can see this as a series of books for children on other different animals to make learning fun and not too much to overload them)
The information is basic knowledge but if this has a child hooked on the small details given then it leads into conversations and also other books for the child to learn more from in the future giving a gateway into their learning and growing.
(When I read books like this mainly based for children I look at them with certain questions
Is it enjoyable?
How much is it understandable?
Is it educational?
Etc)
Firstly the narrator for this audiobook was great and his voice gave a calm but fun approach to the information being shared & secondly, the book is very enjoyable and full of fun facts for children to know more about some of the animals we share this planet with explaining how similar we are to our little animal friends... I can see children loving this and smiling at the and maybe even laughing 😃 along the way.
The educational information given is in short bursts for each animal listed (I can see this as a series of books for children on other different animals to make learning fun and not too much to overload them)
The information is basic knowledge but if this has a child hooked on the small details given then it leads into conversations and also other books for the child to learn more from in the future giving a gateway into their learning and growing.
April 16, 2025
Humanimal is a truly captivating and illuminating book that beautifully reveals how humans and the amazing creatures of the animal kingdom don't simply share our planet as a home, but also share a remarkable compilation of behaviors, habits, and heartfelt connections.
📌 A huge thank you to The Audio Agency, Christopher Lloyd, and NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity to listen to an advance listener copy (ALC) of this audiobook! I'm thrilled to share my thoughts with you. Please know that all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own and completely honest.
I initially began listening to this book with the intention of gauging its appeal to children. However, I was delightfully surprised to find myself completely drawn in and added it to my own reading list! The narrator's delivery and tone are utterly engaging and animated. Brimming with fascinating facts and intriguing tidbits about animals, this audiobook is a fantastic choice for adults seeking an enjoyable non-fiction experience for their commute. It's also perfectly suited for children aged six and up. For younger children, the picture book version would likely be even more immersive and captivating. My four-year-olds did listen along with me, and while they enjoyed it, they naturally required more breaks and rewinds than I did. We wholeheartedly give it a thumbs-up!
📌 A huge thank you to The Audio Agency, Christopher Lloyd, and NetGalley for the wonderful opportunity to listen to an advance listener copy (ALC) of this audiobook! I'm thrilled to share my thoughts with you. Please know that all thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own and completely honest.
I initially began listening to this book with the intention of gauging its appeal to children. However, I was delightfully surprised to find myself completely drawn in and added it to my own reading list! The narrator's delivery and tone are utterly engaging and animated. Brimming with fascinating facts and intriguing tidbits about animals, this audiobook is a fantastic choice for adults seeking an enjoyable non-fiction experience for their commute. It's also perfectly suited for children aged six and up. For younger children, the picture book version would likely be even more immersive and captivating. My four-year-olds did listen along with me, and while they enjoyed it, they naturally required more breaks and rewinds than I did. We wholeheartedly give it a thumbs-up!
October 16, 2020
For animal lovers and the scientific-minded everywhere, this book presents fascinating examples of animal behavior that we think of as human. It turns out we humans are not the only ones who grieve, farm, play, or solve puzzles! The examples presented are plentiful and varied, and each concept is supported by descriptions of scientific studies. At the end there are even short bios of each scientist cited. Read this book out of curiosity, as a conversation starter, or to further one's knowledge of the animal kingdom.
March 29, 2025
A fun collage of the animal kingdom!
This audiobook is perfect for a bedtime story or the quiet moments of a long drive! The narrator has a very calming and clear voice. The sound effects are playful and gentle; it kind of gives me a Mr. Roger's Neighborhood vibe combined with a nature documentary!
The animal facts are quick and interesting. I like that the researchers' countries were mentioned--it shows a diverse source of information. Each animal fact only lasts about a minute or two, so it'll keep your child's attention, and it can be useful for quick entertainment if you listen to one section/chapter at a time. I'd say it's best for 8-11 year olds. Overall, I'd still recommend the book if you have time to sit down and read it, so you can enjoy the art.
This audiobook is perfect for a bedtime story or the quiet moments of a long drive! The narrator has a very calming and clear voice. The sound effects are playful and gentle; it kind of gives me a Mr. Roger's Neighborhood vibe combined with a nature documentary!
The animal facts are quick and interesting. I like that the researchers' countries were mentioned--it shows a diverse source of information. Each animal fact only lasts about a minute or two, so it'll keep your child's attention, and it can be useful for quick entertainment if you listen to one section/chapter at a time. I'd say it's best for 8-11 year olds. Overall, I'd still recommend the book if you have time to sit down and read it, so you can enjoy the art.
April 11, 2025
Humanimal: Incredible Ways Animals Are Just Like Us! by Christopher Lloyd
NonFiction • Childrens
Publication Date • October 10, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and The Audio Agency for the audiobook!
READ IF have animal-loving kids or want to learn some fun animal facts yourself!
A fun, quick listen for kids who are animal fans! I love the art on the front, and I did learn several new things from this short book comparing animals and humans. My animal-loving daughter thought it was a cool way to learn facts she didn't know. I would recommend!
NonFiction • Childrens
Publication Date • October 10, 2019
Thank you NetGalley and The Audio Agency for the audiobook!
READ IF have animal-loving kids or want to learn some fun animal facts yourself!
A fun, quick listen for kids who are animal fans! I love the art on the front, and I did learn several new things from this short book comparing animals and humans. My animal-loving daughter thought it was a cool way to learn facts she didn't know. I would recommend!
Read
July 17, 2020We’re all Humanimal! This fascinating and thought-provoking book is a must for the animal lover in your family. Divided into 3 main sections (Community, Feelings, Intelligence), it explores the similarities between human and animal behaviors, celebrates the natural world, and enlightens readers about our interconnectedness to other species. The pictures are bold and fun, and there is a glossary of both terms and of the animal scientists mentioned throughout the book.
Reviewer 2
Reviewer 2
April 7, 2025
This was such a cute audiobook. I enjoyed the sound effects and had a lot of fun information about animals that was mostly new to me. I enjoy reading books that my daughter will enjoy. This reminded me of some of her Tonie Box audio books that she has and enjoys. I would definitely buy a copy of this book for her or listen to the audio in the car together.
Thank you NetGalley and The Audio Agency for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Thank you NetGalley and The Audio Agency for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
April 8, 2025
So informative, fun and wholesome.
I learnt a few facts that I’d never been taught in school so was pleasantly surprised!
Narration was well paced, sound effects were an awesome addition and I think this book will inspire kids to believe that animals are our equals (because they are) and deserve respect.
Would make the perfect family road trip audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher & the author!
I learnt a few facts that I’d never been taught in school so was pleasantly surprised!
Narration was well paced, sound effects were an awesome addition and I think this book will inspire kids to believe that animals are our equals (because they are) and deserve respect.
Would make the perfect family road trip audiobook.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher & the author!
November 12, 2020
Lovely look at why humans may not be the superior species we think we are! Great expository book featuring an intro on each subtopic plus a round-up of animal examples, along with mentions of many field and laboratory scientists (and they're not all white men--yay!). Thought-provoking and fascinating.
April 11, 2025
Animals, fun facts and intriguing stories are sure winners with kids. This book is a brief but informative and eye-opening collection of examples of how similar humans and animals are. Though the printed book may be a better choice due to the stunning illustration, the audio version is also fun to listen to as the narrator does a great job.
February 25, 2020
My 3- and 5-year-old daughters and I loved and learned a lot from this book! I appreciated the short biographies of researchers in addition to facts about animals, especially for the sake of exposing my daughters to the many possibilities of life pursuits.
July 19, 2023
Great information and illustrations! This book might be best for kids age 8+ due to advanced vocabulary but a parent or teacher could definitely summarize pages for younger kids.
This is an excellent choice for any home or classroom library. I think this book bears repeated reading.
This is an excellent choice for any home or classroom library. I think this book bears repeated reading.
April 25, 2025
I received a copy of this audiobook from netGalley for a honest review.
This is a fun, informative audiobook about how animals are like humans. The sound effects are great and the story is well written with tons to learn.
This is a fun, informative audiobook about how animals are like humans. The sound effects are great and the story is well written with tons to learn.
July 31, 2021
In this appealingly illustrated oversized book, readers are introduced to all the fascinating ways humans are like other animals.
October 1, 2021
There was some very fascinating information in this book. I highly recommend it.
March 14, 2022
Like being in a real life field study. Superb.
May 20, 2022
Really quite a fascinating read! Easy to understand words and cool illustrations. These informative picture books are awesome!
May 24, 2025
Big thanks to netgalley.com for providing a free copy of this audiobook.
The audiobook is just great! The narrator’s intonations are full of energy and charm, making it super engaging from start to finish. The surrounding sounds and playful effects really brought the stories to life. I found myself giggling and smiling the whole time!
Full review is in my blog.
The audiobook is just great! The narrator’s intonations are full of energy and charm, making it super engaging from start to finish. The surrounding sounds and playful effects really brought the stories to life. I found myself giggling and smiling the whole time!
Full review is in my blog.
August 1, 2025
I listened to this book on audio and found the narration paired well with the added sound effects. Humanimal shows us many of the ways animals are like humans, in ways that you wouldn't always expect. Each section describes a "human" trait, followed by examples of that trait in several different animals. The book goes into the science behind these traits, such as brain chemicals produced when grieving or excited.
Without the pictures I feel like I may have missed a bit of the book, namely based off the organization. I also think the pictures would help younger children connect better to the information. The audio alone would be good for older elementary children, with the sound effects making it more interesting for children unused to audio books.
(Some of the sound effects mimic being underwater, which can be unsettling if wearing earbuds).
Thank you to Netgalley and The Audio Agency for the review copy, all opinions are my own.
Without the pictures I feel like I may have missed a bit of the book, namely based off the organization. I also think the pictures would help younger children connect better to the information. The audio alone would be good for older elementary children, with the sound effects making it more interesting for children unused to audio books.
(Some of the sound effects mimic being underwater, which can be unsettling if wearing earbuds).
Thank you to Netgalley and The Audio Agency for the review copy, all opinions are my own.
Read
April 18, 2020The book would interest lower elementary students. It could also be independently read by an intermediate student. This picture book includes wonderful artwork that will engage kids and has facts that show the ways that humans and animals are alike. It challenges you to look at similarities in a different way.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews