Pretty Tricky: The Sneaky Ways Plants Survive

by Etta Kaner

Have you ever thought of plants as tricky? Probably not. But in this nonfiction book, readers are introduced to the tricky techniques some plants use to defend themselves, reproduce, or acquire food. From the copycat Boquila vine that changes shape to match its host plant to the pungent carrion flower that lures pollinating flies with the scent of rotten meat, plants across the globe have adapted to survive all kinds of threatening fauna.

Each amazing plant adaptation is described through fact bubbles and easy-to-grasp blocks of text. End matter includes a list of sources for kids to explore, a glossary defining scientific terms, and an index.

Brought to life with eye-popping cut-paper collage illustrations, this book is a garden of knowledge that will leave kids with a better understanding of how living things adapt to their environments.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Science, Nature, Childrens, Plants, Stem

48 pages, Hardcover

Published September 15, 2020

Reviews

[Briar's Reviews · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love plants, so it was a natural pick to grab this book. Especially since it's a sweet, non-fiction picture book!

The information is presented in a very informative yet interesting way. I was hooked to every word and was honestly interested. I think this book would be a great way for educators or parents to read to their children and use a non-fiction book in the process. It's absolutely great for learning.

Kids can learn how plants defend themselves, where certain plants naturally grow, and plant reproduction, among other cool topics!

The illustrations are super cool - especially the Venus fly trap. It stood out to me instantly and pulled my attention in. They have a cool cut paper textile that makes it super intriguing and attention grabbing.

Overall, I really liked this book! It's informative, and as someone with a green thumb I found it super interesting!

Four out of five stars.

Thank you to NetGalley and Owlkids for providing me a free copy of this book in exchange of an honest review.

[Alicia Bayer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This vividly illustrated children's book teaches kids about interesting ways that plants spread seeds, eat, defend themselves, etc. The illustrations are vivid collage pages that are beautiful, but it's a shame there were no photos of the actual plants. The text is small and on somewhat crowded pages. It was a little too long to work for a read-aloud with my 8 year-old daughter and didn't really hold her attention, but it could make for a nice solo read for kids. Despite a few criticisms, it's both beautiful and interesting, and would make a great nature study or biology resource for kids.

I read a temporary digital ARC of this book for the purpose of review.

[Storywraps · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fascinating non-fiction book will be a winner with kids ( and adults too ) I'm sure. The author takes you into the amazing world of tricky, sneaky plants. Even the title peaks curiosity and invites kids in to discover the unimaginable ways that plants survive.

The text is clear and well written. Kids will not only learn pertinent facts regarding these natural wonders but will find the book highly entertaining as well.

A variety of plants are documented and described through fact bubbles. The back of the book includes: how flowering plants make seeds, how plants make food, an index, a glossary of scientific terms and a list of selected sources enabling readers to explore even deeper.

The cut-paper collage illustrations are colourful, vibrant and beautifully done. This book would be perfect to include in a classroom or elementary school library. I personally learned a lot and I highly, highly recommend it.

[Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Tricky explores ways plants act in a manner that seems quite un-plant-like. A vine, for example, that climbs trees, and (somehow...no one can explain quite how this happens) its leaves change to match the leaves of the host tree. Startling ways various plants have to attach their seed to moveable creatures. The complex way a Roridula plant has of obtaining food.

Even if you think you know a lot about plants (I did!), these tricky plants will surprise and delight you. Perhaps someone young will explore these plant oddities further.

[Jenn Adams · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beautiful cut paper illustrations accompany well-researched fun facts about animal adaptations. Next best thing to actual photographs, and at times more aesthetically pleasing. Would work well alongside learning about evolution/survival of the fittest/plant biology.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Beverly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Somewhere between a picture book and a chapter book, it has fascinating information about plant defenses, eating habits, and reproduction. This Canadian import has outstanding illustrations by Ashley Barron, an index, a glossary, and a short bibliography.

[J · Rating 3 out of 5]

Do you know of anyone who has a green thumb or is wanting to learn about fascinating plants? This book then may be for you if you want a quick yet informative read that explores some of the more interesting plants that you may or may not know about.

The writing is simple and brief throughout the book but still very informative. As a result the reader gets a generalized introduction as well as a summarized paragraph for each of the sections. From there the book explores in-depth each plant by givings its key points and strategies in how it sneakily survives every day threats.

Furthermore the author includes in the back an index, small glossary and a selection of further reads all on the last page. Quite a nice add-on for science class.

The illustrations were a gorgeous collage with beautiful details and colors. Althoughly brightly colored it is also quite subtle but not so much that it takes away. Artwise this is definitely a keeper for its portrayal.

The only thing that I have to complain about the book is just the tone of the book. It starts off as an educational read with a bit of some subject-related puns that even though eye-rolling for the most cynical was a bit of a break from the serious tone. Unfortunately after just about two or three jokes it chose that it wasn't going to attempt a comedy routine but an informative read focused on addressing children.

All in all it was a decent read and one that would make for a good addition to any science-based library for children or even for adults who don't mind children's books.

***I received a free copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review***

[Lara Maynard · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is an interesting approach to have a nonfiction book about plants illustrated with papercuts rather than photos of the actual featured plants. And I am not sure that I prefer it. That said, the features of each plant are interestingly presented and Ashley Barron’s colourful illustrations of passion flower vines, giant water lilies, mirror orchids, scarlet mistletoe, starfish flower and all the other plants and the insects and birds that go with them are gorgeous. I would happily frame many of them and hang them around my home. I love the cover and the illustration of snapdragons and bees is among my favourites.

I read a digital proof of Pretty Tricky via NetGalley and the publisher, Owlkids Books.

[Sandra]

Some of the papercut work is really striking, but it feels like the illustrations are younger than the writing, which also has a slightly inconsistent tone. I wish the font had been a little larger, or in greater contrast to the backgrounds. I'm wearing brand new glasses and could still feel eyestrain reading some of the spreads.

[Bri S · Rating 5 out of 5]

We all loved the vibrant illustrations and fascinating facts about these tricky plants!

[Paige · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great illustrations and awesome book to use in a classroom when discussing botany. It will hold your students’ attention and will keep them interested. I highly recommend!

[emyrose8 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I hands down LOVE this book. The introduction is so witty! Puns galore! And the illustrations are stunning; I love the style of art with loads of textures and color gradients. Each plant features facts about where it's found in the world and what makes it so tricky. Utterly fascinating. One I'll definitely be adding to my class library.

There are three chapters, each focusing on a different way plants are tricky: Plants on the Defense, Making More Plants (pollination tricks), Food Glorious Food! (tricky ways plants get food). Then there's the extra information section: how plants make seeds, how plants make food, and index/glossary/sources.

Thanks Netgalley for the ARC! All opinions are my own and are unbiased.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have you ever thought about the ways plants can adapt and change to ensure survival? Pretty Tricky teaches us some of the sly things different plants can do to promote their survival.

The facts are written in easily understandable language. This book would be a great supplemental part of a science curriculum or for a student who prefers nonfiction books. I would recommend this book for libraries and classrooms, as well as at home for students who are science-enthusiasts

Thank you to Etta Kane’s, OwlKids, and NetGalley for an electronic galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

As smart as it is beautiful, this book was a delight to read. Each page is a stunning display of cut paper collage that make for a visual treat, while the text is clear and engaging, making the mystery of these tricky plants a fun and educational experience. Equally at home in a science classroom or a home bookshelf, this book is a treat for any budding scientist.

Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this digital ARC in return for a fair and honest review.

[Amber Webb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty Tricky focuses on plants that make adaptations to their environment to help keep them alive. I loved the variety of plants, many that I had never heard of. The interactions between insect and plant were also fascinating. I have some plant-loving kiddos that will really enjoy this book.
Illustrations were stunning!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an electronic ARC from Owlkids Books through NetGalley.
Information shared in ways that appeal to elementary level readers. Kaner shows the various methods plants use to survive and grow. Brightly colored pages pull readers in.
Resource book for students who want to explore plants and a jumping off book for further research.

[Etienne · Rating 2 out of 5]

Short documentary for children that is poorly presented. I never really like documentary on something that could have been present with real picture and which is presented with illustrations, and some very basic one here. Not really worth it.

[Roger · Rating 5 out of 5]

Stimulate wonder and the child will learn easily!

A fantastic book on the most extraordinary survival defense adaptations of plants. The way they camouflage themselves, deceive their predators or parasites, protect themselves from being eaten, the symbiosis, their successful associations with pollinators and seed spreaders.

It is a book that complements very well the child education on the understanding of evolutionary biology. The Phylum Plantae is indeed very old, the oldest known fossil is around 400 million years old. In addition to being beautiful and captivating, they are important in sustaining all life on the planet. The Life Science study is very important for children, since it has allowed man to be able to overcome diseases, to adapt to the environment, to obtain fibers and timber resources, food and pigments, supplies for pharmacology, to implement agriculture and agriculture. biotechnology.

Ashley Barron's splendid paper cut illustrations are so colorful and full of texture. And coupled with Alisa Baldwin's design, the result is fabulous. The educational quality that Owl Kids books offers us is excellent to complement the Life Science subject.


My sincere appreciation to the Publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review the book

[Kristin Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Kaner's Do Frogs Drink Hot Chocolate?: How Animals Keep Warm and Do Lizards Eat Ice Cream? How Animals Beat the Heat, so I checked this one out too. I was surprised to discover that it's for older readers, maybe middle grades? I learned some fascinating and unbelievable stuff, but would have preferred to see some photos included in this book. I ended up googling many of the plants to see what they actually looked like. Cut paper art is a favorite illustration style of mine, but I don't agree with the choice of it for this factual, non-fiction book.

[Stephanie Tournas · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know about plants that eat bugs, but have you heard about plants which have leaves that mimic the trees they grow around (Boquila vines)? Did you know that there’s a plant that can pretend to play dead (Mimosa plant)? Readers learn that there are reasons for the trickery of plants: defense, getting food, and reproduction. Plants from around the world are depicted with clever cut paper collage, looking both realistic and arrestingly artistic. Playful language and section headings make the informative text fun to read. With a table of contents, an index, sources and a glossary, this is a winning middle grade source for readers who enjoy finding out about the thornier (pun intended) abilities of plants.

[Laurie Hnatiuk · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty Tricky - The Sneaky Ways Plants Survive presents the unusual adaptations that plants use to survive. The book itself is also unique in that instead of photographs, Pretty Tricky - The Sneaky Ways Plants Survive uses paper cut-outs to illustrate the different plants described in the book. The book is divided into three sections; highlighting plant defences, making additional plants and a food section. There are single and double-page spreads that include large colourful illustrations, the name of the plant and where one can find it. What makes this book stand out are the unusual plants included; from plants that kidnap bugs to plants that act as a toilet, readers, including adults, will learn something new from this book.

[Melinda Brasher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating book about some of the plant world's most clever adaptations. It's written for kids, but enjoyable for adults, with an accessible style that packs mind-blowing facts into a short space. Some people might want more detail, but to me it was perfect for what it was.

The illustrations are beautiful. Some people might prefer photos, since it's a sciency book, but I think the illustrations served the book well, showing the majesty of nature in a sort of fairy tale way.

I checked it out from the library. Now I have to buy it.

[Barbra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Most plants need our help to survive but some have ways of supporting themselves. This beautiful picture book illustrated in cut-paper collage brings to light some very unique plants. By using camouflage, scent, and insect and animal helpers to spread pollen, defend themselves and find their own water and nutrients, they are self-sufficient. Future botanists and young readers who love nature will enjoy uncovering these strange but true secrets to growing.

[Mehsi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Een erg leuk en informatief boek over planten en wat zij doen om te overleven. Van hoe ze dieren vangen tot bestuiving en zorgen dat de soort verder leeft. Ze hebben allerlei geweldige manier van geurtjes (stank tot lekker) tot zaadjes die lijken op poep tot blaadjes die opkrullen als er iemand aanzit. Echt leuk geschreven, informatief, en de illustraties waren prachtig! Ik heb echt genoten van dit mooie boek~

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The illustrations are stunning and the information is interesting but I found the book difficult to read. The text is really small and dense and the placement really awkward. My 9-year old skimmed through and looked at the pictures but didn't engage with the text which is a shame because I think this book had real potential to be engaging and fun.

[Calvin Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought this was a great book. This is a great way to introduce non-fiction books to kids. I especially like how detailed the book is with how many types of pants there are, the way they live and grow, reproduce and more. Overall, great educational material to cover for students learning plants and photosynthesis.

[Juli Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bold collage illustrations bring these fascinating plants alive. Readers will discover some old hats here (Venus flytraps and carrion flower, for example), but there are plenty of entrancing plants here I'd never seen in a picture book.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sneaky here is defined as interacting with other creatures, particularly animals, so this is a book about how many plants rely on animals for seed dispersal, pollination or nutrition. Sometimes the sneakiness is nefarious -- the animals don't gain but may lose everything from their lives to a chance to reproduce to an expected snack, but sometimes everyone gains -- the plant gives a treat of a tasty syrup to lure an animal into pooping into it.

The illustrations are bright and clear and the text is cheerful and interested as well as clear. The author is enthusiastic about how the plants are getting their way and seems equally delighted when there's an explanation or when scientists are still working on it. Plants are labeled with their name and habitat so kids get some context.

The back has a few pages on scientific details of plant reproduction and photosynthesis, and then a quick index, glossary and selected sources, which leads off with David Attenborough. So we know these authors are cool.

[Holly Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating! I loved the illustrations.

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging, informative, and beautifully designed and illustrated with cut paper collage illustrations by Ashley Barron.