From the familiar to the improbable, the gross to the endearing, The Modern Bestiary is a compendium of curious creatures. It includes both animals that have made headlines and those you've probably never heard of, such as skin-eating caecilians, harp sponges, or zombie worms - also known as bone-eating snot flowers. Arranged by elements (Earth, Water, Air), The Modern Bestiary contains well-known species told from new, unexpected angles (rats that drive cars; fish that communicate by passing wind), as well as stranger and lesser-known creatures, including carnivorous mice that howl at the moon, cross-dressing cuttlefish, and antechinuses - small marsupials that literally mate themselves to death. Finally, there are the 'aliens on Earth' - the incredible, the surreal, the magical - such as tardigrades, tongue-eating lice and immortal jellyfish, creatures so astonishing that they make unicorns look rather commonplace. Written by a zoologist with a flair for storytelling, this is a fascinating celebration of the animal kingdom.

The astonishing phenomenon of bioluminescence is brought to life in vivid detail by medical illustrator Jennifer N. R. Smith. The natural world is an infinite source of wonder and the phenomenon of bioluminescence is no exception. Glow explores the remarkable way animals and plants light up of their own accord, and what we can learn from their incredible glow-in-the-dark abilities. Written and illustrated in minute detail by medical illustrator Jennifer N. R. Smith, Glow takes readers on a magical journey to the deepest ocean trenches, through winding networks of caves and into the darkest corners of the forest to experience the wonder of bioluminescence. The first in a series of non-fiction children’s books exploring natural phenomena, Glow introduces readers to creatures that glow in the dark including anglerfish, firefly squid, lanternfish, the glowing sucker octopus, Flor de Coco and Honey fungi, as well as hosts of fireflies and glow-worms. It also celebrates the scientists and deep-sea explorers who, at great personal risk, have travelled to the ocean floor to study bioluminescence. Combining natural history with STEM, Glow considers how bioluminescence works and what we can learn from it, including ways to prevent climate change and tackle pollution. Printed using UV printing techniques with a 5th spot colour, the illustrations literally glow on the page, making for a truly awe-inspiring reading experience.

'An illuminating compendium of some weird and wonderful creatures.' Observer From the familiar to the improbable, the gross to the endearing, The Modern Bestiary is a compendium of curious creatures. It includes both animals that have made headlines and those you've probably never heard of, such as skin-eating caecilians, harp sponges, or zombie worms - also known as bone-eating snot flowers. Arranged by elements (Earth, Water, Air), The Modern Bestiary contains well-known species told from new, unexpected angles (rats that drive cars; fish that communicate by passing wind), as well as stranger and lesser-known creatures, including carnivorous mice that howl at the moon, cross-dressing cuttlefish, and antechinuses - small marsupials that literally mate themselves to death. Finally, there are the 'aliens on Earth' - the incredible, the surreal, the magical - such as tardigrades, tongue-eating lice and immortal jellyfish, creatures so astonishing that they make unicorns look rather commonplace. Written by a zoologist with a flair for storytelling, this is a fascinating celebration of the animal kingdom. ' [A] beautifully written book to make you laugh, squirm and - perhaps most importantly - appreciate how lucky we are to not have to live inside an anus.' Yussef Rafik 'The Modern Bestiary provides a fascinating, accessible and humorous insight into the wonders of the natural world.' Amy Dickman, director of Oxford University's Wildlife Conservation Research Unit 'If you love animals, especially ones with unsavoury habits, this book is for you. Entries are crafted with affection, cast-iron scholarship and an unyielding dedication to exposing as much hilarious weirdness as the animal kingdom can offer.' Tom Moorhouse, author of Elegy for a River 'Everyone who loves wildlife - especially fantastically weird and cringingly gross wildlife - should read this masterful book.' Mark Carwardine, author/presenter of Last Chance to See 'If ever there was a book that highlighted the bewildering wonders of the natural world, and the need for their conservation, this is it.' Michael Brooke, author of Far from Land