Ilan Sutton

An intriguing little book that challenges many of our assumptions about animals and their behaviour. Ilan Sutton presents surprising examples that show how the natural world often defies what we think should be true. Easy to dip into rather than read straight through, and consistently interesting. A thought-provoking read that reframes how we think about animal survival and behaviour.

This is a cute book that explores all those “wild” ideas people have about animals, and “tells all” in brief passages that explaines practically everything. From the tiniest organisms to the great whales, the author has something for everyone, so to speak. He explaines why our dogs take so long to sniff an object (Now I know why my girl was taking so long on our walks.), how dolphins are not as kind as you would think, how rats are not as dirty as people think they are, that camels show more don’t store water in their hump, and a lot more! This is a book to read! show less

This is a short and simple look at the fascinating species of octopuses, seeming to be aimed at young teens/adolescents. The language is uncomplicated, straight forward with a little repetition over the under two page chapters/sections and the author exercises care to qualify dismissal of myths with plausible explanations. As I read this, I was thinking to recommend Peter Godfrey-Smith’s book Other Minds, as while it was short on explanations (there is still much to understand about show more octopuses), Godfrey-Smith coupled speculation with facts (as we yet know them.) Turns out, that is the first listed in the author’s recommended reading.

I am guessing at the target audience, but ai would have liked a slightly rigorous appendix linking the author’s conclusions to source material so that further reading would be more fruitful. As it is, the book reminds me of some of my Scholastic Book Services and How and Why Wonder books of my childhood; and of the Dorling Kindersley and Usborne books of my children’s childhoods, sans illustrations.

Very readable and informative. I appreciate the author making this available through the LibraryThing Early Reviewers Program. show less

Things That Shouldn’t Be True: Animal Facts That Defy Common Sense by Ilan Sutton is a fun and eye-opening collection of surprising animal facts that challenge what you think you know about the natural world. Sutton presents each example in a clear, engaging way, making complex biology feel accessible and genuinely fascinating. It’s an entertaining read that sparks curiosity and leaves you with plenty of memorable trivia.