Oh No They Aren’t: Nature
Eric Huang, illustrated by Sam Caldwell
Words & Pictures

Playful in approach it may be, but there’s a wealth of information about the natural world to be found in this book.

Following his introduction the author adopts his tongue-in-cheek question and answer style replete with pantomime-like ‘Oh no they aren’t!,’ ‘Oh no they weren’t!’ ‘Oh no they don’t’ interjections, in the book’s six thematic sections. These are in order, Prehistoric Life, Green Planet, Under the Sea, Creepy-Crawlies, Predator and Prey and High Fliers.

In Green Planet we read, ‘Flowers are just pretty decorations … aren’t they?’ followed by the rejoinder ‘OH NO THEY AREN’T!’ and an explanation of pollination and its importance.

Then in Predator and Prey we meet several sharks – all of which are fearsome predators aren’t they? Actually no: the whale shark – the largest shark in the world – is a gentle giant. Moreover, if you thought all sharks are very big, that’s wrong too: dwarf lantern sharks are only about the size of a mobile phone. Now that I didn’t know.

Sam Caldwell’s humorous illustrations match the jaunty style of the writing and the book concludes with a useful illustrated geological timeline and a glossary.
A thoroughly engaging addition to the Oh No’ series that will be lapped up by those with a preference for reading factual books rather than fiction.