Mega: The Most Enormous Animals Ever

Readers craving megadoses of natural history should glom onto this encyclopedic collection of extinct and extant animals that are the definition of living large. According to emphatic text by Howard (Encyclopedia of Birds), these behemoths aren’t simply throwing their weight around: “megafauna have the power to shape habitats, landscapes, and ecosystems around them, mostly to the benefit of other animals,” which the creators depict across chapters divided into mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, and mollusks. Each section highlights notable creatures—such as the biggest extinct mammal and the biggest ones found today—while passages titled “Megafauna at Work” underscore the animals’ distinctive talents and importance to their respective eco- systems. Most immersive are portions showcasing extinct megafauna, including the fearsome and evocatively named giant short-faced bear and the adorably koala-esque—but hippo-size—diprotodon. Illustrator Scott (Happiness Is...) employs varying textures and shapes to depict megafauna, including sauropods and pterosaurs in the Mesozoic Era and elephants and sea cows in contemporary natural habitats, as they “rumble and shake and splash” across the pages. Throughout, critters throw glances readers’ way, as if to imply that audience and animal share an intimate connection that transcends era, habitat, and size. The book jacket unfolds into a poster. A glossary, index, and a call to action conclude. Ages 9–12. (Nov.)