Wanted! Criminals of the Animal Kingdom

By Heather Tekavec, Susan Batori (Illustrator)

Thirteen animals play dirty, but Detective X is on their trail. Will their wild antics finally be stopped?

5.4/7 Bookroo experts·4.3/5 Goodreads · 103 ratings

32 pages

$18.99Save 5%

In stock. Also at Amazon or Bookshop.

Bookroo's summary

Meet the animal kingdom's most notorious tricksters: a fish with a deceptive light, a bird abandoning her eggs, and a monkey crying wolf. These thirteen 'criminals' are under investigation by Detective X. As their antics unfold, discover the surprising truths behind their behavior. Will they outsmart the detective, or is justice finally catching up? Dive into this hilarious, fact-filled adventure that blends animal science with a playful twist, challenging what it means to play fair in nature.

From the publisher

Think animals are all well-behaved? Think again. These thirteen play dirty. But they’re about to get caught!

A fish who deceives her prey with a light dangling in front of her mouth? A bird who leaves her eggs in another bird’s nest to be raised? A monkey who shouts “Danger” to scare away the others from the fruit? Meet some of the animal kingdom’s most wanted criminals! Slippery Slick, Queenie the Meanie, Lil’ Cupid — they’re all here in this hilarious book of animal case files that include rap sheets, mug shots, reports of criminal activity and more. All thirteen animals stand accused of playing dirty, but now that Detective X is hot on their trail, their criminal days may soon be behind them!

Author Heather Tekavec offers an original approach to investigating animal behavior, with a fun storyline built on hardcore facts. Paired with Susan Batori’s cheeky illustrations, this is a laugh-out-loud read that explores fascinating animal science. Each animal “criminal” gets a spread that’s filled with facts about the animal’s characteristics, including distinguishing features, diet, life span, habitat and more, as well as a description of the animal’s “bad” behavior and the reason behind it. This book offers direct STEAM links to life science curriculum, particularly lessons on the characteristics of living things. The underlying premise of the book also offers the opportunity for discussions on what it means to play fair in the world.

At a glance

Format: Hardcover
Pages: 32
Reading age: 6–9
Audience: Picture
Lexile: 850L

Themes & topics

Books about science and nature Books about zoology Books about animals

The Bookroo review

What our editors thought of this book

Agent X is a polar bear detective reviewing a stack of case files belonging to animal “criminals.” In each file, he finds a short description of the animal’s villainous behavior, as well as a rap sheet listing, among other things, known aliases, sightings, and gang name. In a creative, clever mixing of fact and fun, these items serve as placeholders for scientific facts about the animals. Under aliases, for example, are listed the various names by which the animal is known, including its scientific name. Under gang name is listed the animal’s collective name, like a cast of crabs. The criminal acts of the animals are humorously described, which are actually fascinating facts about the animal’s unique survival instincts. For example, the “Big Bad Mama” cuckoo bird lays her eggs in other birds’ nests, while the “Copy Cat” predator margay cat pretends to be a monkey to lure food. Tekavec does a remarkable job of infusing scientific data with clever fun to make the information stickier than the typical fact sheet, while Batori’s illustrations add to the humor, especially with her presentation of the various animals’ in their criminal mugshots. As the book is carried less by story and more with humor, it’s best suited to be enjoyed and studied by stronger readers who enjoy animals.

The verdict

“A humorous introduction to a slew of animals from the angle of their more nefarious survival instincts.”

Bookroo Editorial

Reviewed April 2020

5.4/7

What readers & critics say