Historical Animals: The Dogs, Cats, Horses, Snakes, Goats, Rats, Dragons, Bears, Elephants, Rabbits and Other Creatures that Changed the World

Historical Animals: The Dogs, Cats, Horses, Snakes, Goats, Rats, Dragons, Bears, Elephants, Rabbits and Other Creatures that Changed the World

Throughout history, animals have shaped the world as we know it. But rarely have they received the recognition they deserve. Until now. This inside look at history’s most famous animals features wacky verse, cool facts, historical stats, and zany cartoon art. Meet Alexander the Great’s horse Bucephalus, who was his battle companion for nearly 30 years. Learn about Mozart’s starling bird that helped him write music by singing along as he composed. Read about the Ethiopian goats that discovered the coffee bean, Marco Polo seeing dragons in China, and a dog named Boatswain that saved Napoleon’s life. From the cobra that killed Cleopatra to Cairo, the dog that helped hunt down Osama bin Laden, Historical Animals has these stories and more! Gr 3–5—Chock-full of well-known animals, as well as historical figures associated with different creatures, this title will attract budding history buffs. Arranged chronologically, the book includes Cleopatra and the asp responsible for her death; Beatrix Potter and the pet rabbit upon which she based her stories; and Elsa the lion, who was adopted—and eventually freed—by Joy and George Adamson. Each entry contains a poem that describes the animal or event in question, while "Historical Stats" includes basic information on either the historical personage or the animal. "Did You Know?" and "Tell Me More!" sections feature brief, related factoids (under "Rin Tin Tin," readers will learn about the use of dogs in film and on TV). A full-page, caricaturelike cartoon accompanies each entry. Anthropomorphism abounds: Nero's tiger is shown feasting with the ancient emperor, while Charles Darwin converses with his animal buddies. While adults might groan at the sometimes forced humor and poetry, the intended audience will eat this one up. Historical fluff? Maybe, but if nothing else, this silly yet persuasive effort will coax readers into enjoying history. VERDICT An entertaining addition, though this selection won't take the place of more serious works.—Anne Chapman Callaghan, Racine Public Library, WI Chock-full of well-known animals, as well as historical figures associated with different creatures, this title will attract budding history buffs. Arranged chronologically, the book includes Cleopatra and the asp responsible for her death; Beatrix Potter and the pet rabbit; and Elsa the lion, who was adopted--and eventually freed--by Joy and George Adamson. Each entry contains a poem that describes the animal or event in question, while "Historical Stats" includes basic information on either the historical personage or the animal. -School Library Journal Julia Moberg grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Southlake, Texas. She attended New York University where she received both her B.F.A. and M.F.A. in Dramatic Writing at Tisch School of the Arts. She is the author of Presidential Pets and Skies Over Sweetwater . She lives in Paris France. Through history we learn About many different things: The pyramids, the moon landing, And famous queens and kings. Yet a certain population Rarely gets its due: Animals, you see, Have left their paw prints, too! The dog that saved Napoleon And Mozart’s starling bird Both transformed the world, But their stories go unheard. Jane Goodall’s chimpanzees, Isaac Newton’s cats, A mongoose standing trial, Some deadly fleas and rats, A gorilla that can sign, An elephant that wowed— These tales and many more All begin right now . . .