Book excerpt: Whether it’s terrifyingly long tusks, odd mating behavior, or strange egg-laying, many animals have some freaky features. In this book, readers enjoy dozens of the weirdest creatures found on every continent, from owls to octopuses and butterflies to toads. Full-color photographs bring each unique animal closer than a reader could ever get in the wild and complement detailed, interesting entries about the Surinam toad, the glasswing butterfly, and many, many more. Information about those at risk or endangered supports readers’ understanding of conservation.