Book excerpt: "This is a world encyclopedia of amphibians, reptiles and mammals with over 500 detailed illustrations. This is a fully illustrated encyclopedia of over 350 amphibians, reptiles and mammals from the world. It includes the venomous western diamondback rattlesnake of the southern United States; the tree-dwelling flying lizard of South-east Asia, the extraordinary egg-laying platypus of Australia. This is a natural history guide that focuses on how animals have adapted in terms of anatomy, senses and survival skills, and describes the varied habitats in which animals live. This is a fabulous, accessible natural history reference for both families and schools. The first section of this incredible illustrated reference book focuses on the diversity of life in the animal kingdom, looking at the habitats in which animals live and how they survive. It also includes a guide to a mphibian, reptilian and mammalian anatomy and senses. The rest of the book is divided into three chapters, each focusing on a different area of the world: the Americas; Europe and Africa; and Asia, Australia and New Zealand. Each animal is accompanied by a colour illustration and a specification panel giving information about distribution, habitat, food, size, maturity, breeding, life span and more. With over 900 magnificent colour illustrations and photographs, and packed with fascinating facts, this book is a must-have family reference for anyone interested in wild animals, where they live and how they survive."--Publisher's description.