Children love animal stories, and this book is full of them, as well as fascinating factoids, quizzes, brainteasers, and photos of the strangest animals imaginable (ever seen a surfing hippo?). Here are pets that saved their owners' lives, animals that performed amazing feats of bravery, and critters that behave like people. Readers learn about working animals - "nosy" dogs whose keen sniffers help find lost children, rescue people trapped in buildings, and bust drug smugglers. Uncle John goes behind the scenes to hunt down Hollywood hounds - what are their home lives like? Who are their personal trainers? Can they really understand English? Going back in time, the book takes a look at animal mummies, marvels at a perfectly preserved wooly mammoth, and explains why scientists believe dolphins and humans are descended from the same distant relative. Also included in the fun are animal myths, legends, constellations, forensics, names, weird pets, an animal sideshow, and much more. Irresistible and educational, the book helps young readers settle down to some serious business.