School Library Journal

K-Gr 2-Longtime nature lovers with a history of numerous guided wildlife excursions, the Sayres are wonderfully equipped to tell the story of the sloth. Stunning photos of the Panamanian rainforest accompany the snappy text. "A tree is sloth salad," they write. "Rip! Snip! Chew. Chew." For younger readers, this colorful language might serve as a sufficient introduction, but older readers will also be drawn to the highly informative sidebars. Here are the differences between the two-toed and three-toed sloth, as well as the distinct characteristics of sloths and howler monkeys, their fellow tree dwellers. Kids who like to accumulate amazing facts will note the surprising similarities between cow and sloth digestive systems, the vertebrae that allow sloths to turn their heads 270 degrees, and the fact that the green color so useful for camouflage is a result of microbes housed in the cracks of a sloth's hair. Illustrations capture not only the sloth, but other animals residing in the rainforest habitat. The back matter is rich and comprehensive, with additional resources provided. This makes it a likely source for report writing, as well as pleasure reading. VERDICT This well-researched title gloriously evokes the wonder of the rainforest and celebrates a fascinating and often misunderstood creature.-Gloria Koster