867 minutes + 95 minutes equals...

962 minutes.

And now for something completely different... Albino Animals!

by Kelly Milner Halls.

This book is certainly eye-catching- it comes in the same color scheme as it's subjects. Of course, this doesn't exactly let them stand out, but surrounding shadows and backgrounds help with this.

Albino Animals includes enough fascinating facts to provide Mongoose graffiti material for months, not only about albinism but about animals in general.

Did you know that heat triggers alligator stomachs to start digesting, that without it the food will simply rot there?

Did you know albino tadpoles are clear- an advantage for survival, at least until they become white frogs that stand out to predators.?

Did you know that you can remove salamander eyes and return them to the sockets and the optic nerves will actually reconnect and start functioning again? (please, no one try this at home unless you're a scientific researcher and have a really good and really significant reason).

Did you know that a female ferret is called a Jill, a spayed female ferret is called a sprite, a male ferret is called a hob, a neutered male ferret is called a gib, a group of ferrets is called a business, and goggles for dogs are called doggles?

The bibliography is extensive and includes interviews, books, magazines, newspapers, and websites (though none specifically earmarked for children). The book also includes a glossary and a broad table of contents.

The editing, however, left something to be desired. The introduction states, "A red bird has red pigment, so it absorbs red." No it doesn't. Red pigment reflects red. That's why it appears red to us. Small typo, perhaps, but not so small if it's a few points off on your science paper.