In this non-fiction book for primary kids we are asked to read and look carefully to guess what we think is real and what we think is fake.

The exhibits in the museum are in a pickle. Some of the exhibits from the Myths and Legends section have been accidentally muddled up with the Natural History section! We need to sort which exhibit belongs where.

Learning what is true and not true is an important life skill. So, before we begin to look at the plants and animals in this book we are helped by tips on sorting fact from fiction. We need to look at who is giving us the information, what evidence is there to back it up, why are they giving us the information and how recent is it, and can we corroborate it?

As we move through each section we learn about megafauna, animals that live in the branches of trees or down in the deep water, to reptiles and more.

Each of the 14 sections featuring animals or plants begin with a double page spread. We see four different animals and plants. Can we pick the fake one?

Which is fake of these underground dwelling animals? The funnel-web spider, the turtle frog, the naked mole rat or the Mongolian death worm? We have to turn the page to find out where we also learn more about each creature including the fake animal which comes from myth and legend.

The animals and plants are terrific, being sufficiently fun, gross or just fascinating. The big illustrations perfectly complement the text which is just the right length so as to not overwhelm..

Unreal is a clever way to engage young readers to learn more about real plants and animals but also of mythological ones and their origins.

Reviewed by Emily Ross

Age Guide 7+

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

ABOUT THE ILLUSTRATOR

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