Mike Artell

The Really Weird Jungle Mike Artell

The wildest, silliest and weirdest creatures all live in the Really Weird Jungle. This colorful picture book introduces us to Dwirls who spend their lives upside down on their heads and Snootzers who refuse to get out of their beds. Among the other creatures we meet are Squawks (they shout loudly), Murks (they hide in caves) and Floops (they can't fly but keep trying to because they might). We learn that some of these weird creatures live underground and others live in trees. Some of them are tall, some are short, some are round and some are square. But the story explains that even though no two of them are alike, they share many of the same personality traits. They all like to run and play, sometimes they're happy and sometimes they're angry, they all have certain things that they do very well. Most importantly, they all know that deep down inside they're really the same. This key point of the story is reinforced with an illustration you'll have to see to understand. This picture book addresses the issues of diversity, sharing and friendship in a sweet way without ulterior motives. If you have a child that's different, special or one of a kind, or if you want to gently introduce your child to the idea that most differences are external, this is a book you - and your child - will love.