My Presentation Today Is about the Anaconda

The dread (or excitement) of a class presentation isn't exclusive to young humans, as evidenced in this humorous all-dialogue collection by previous collaborators Tak and van Haeringen (Leave a Message in the Sand), who give voice to an animal cast 20 strong, each giving an oral address on a species of their choice. While Earthworm prioritizes education over pontification--their lecture on the anaconda glows with admiration--most presenters use the spotlight to vent, dish, brag (Snow Leopard presents on its own species), or provoke the scholastically disinclined and often heckling crowd. Fox's report on geese relishes the subjects' deliciousness in graphic detail, prompting an actual goose to retort: "How can you sleep after all the murders you've committed of members of my family?" Howler Monkey's unicorn presentation sparks accusations of fabrication while other comments frequently masquerade as questions: after Fruit Fly's talk on scarlet lily beetles, Donkey declares, "If I had to choose between walking under a poop blanket or dying, I think I'd rather die." Irreverent text nails the mood of a classroom discussion in free fall, while mixed-media sketches offer stylish visual contrast to the comedic chaos. Ages 8-12. (Feb.)

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