Book excerpt: A stunning visual exploration of what it takes to be counted among the weirdest, most incredible animals on Earth. From the bone-crunching bearded vulture to the venomous platypus, many of the creatures featured here are undeniably weird. But readers of this field guide-like picture book will learn that what makes an axolotl or flying snake so strange, to humans at least, is often exactly what helps it to survive in its habitat. Award-winning illustrator Ben Rothery's fact-filled book of the planet's weirdest, most wonderful creatures explores the scene.