Hello, I'm a Sloth

Meet the Wild Things #1

by Hayley Rocco, John Rocco (Illustrator)

Say hello to a sloth, and learn all about this incredible endangered species—and why they need protecting—in this clever, funny, and informative nonfiction picture book, illustrated by a Caldecott Honoree.

Did you know sloths only poop once a week ?

Or that they can fall up to 100 feet without getting hurt?

They have hundreds of bugs living on them, including a species of moths that only lives on sloths!

And they move so slowly that algae grows on their fur, which—far from being gross—can actually help sloths by camouflaging them from predators.

Chock-full of amazing, kid-friendly facts and inviting artwork from the #1 New York Times bestselling illustrator of Blackout , the Meet the Wild Things series introduces young readers to endangered animals from around the globe, told from the points of view of the animals themselves.

Genres: Picture Books, Nonfiction, Animals, Nature, Childrens

32 pages, Hardcover

Published June 25, 2024

Reviews

[Our Weekend Is Booked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hello, I’m A Sloth is a non-fiction picture book that introduces readers to sloths and their world. This book is narrated by a sloth, who shares many interesting sloth facts and engages readers with questions. I think this would make a fantastic read-aloud.

What I Liked: It is always a pleasure to read a book where I learn something new, and I learned quite a few things from this book. Did you know sloths only poop once a week? It’s facts like this that had my son giggling. In addition, the book discusses the importance of protecting the rainforest so that sloths don’t lose their habitat. The last two pages of the book provide more detailed information on sloths, including organizations that help with sloth conservation. The illustrations capture the beauty of the sloths and the environment they live in. They bring the story to life and help teach children about the importance of conservation.

Hello, I’m a Sloth is an engaging non-fiction book that will delight readers of all ages.

This review first appeared on YA Book Central and can be found here: https://www.yabookscentral.com/hello-...

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

My six-year-old and I loved this first person narrative from a friendly, brown-throated three-toed sloth who informs and educates us about himself. His home is in Central and South America, he loves to nap (but is not lazy), loves trees, is an expert swimmer, and the algae and fungi in his fur can fight cancer.

What I loved about this book is there is so much to learn about sloths, for both children (the targeted audience) and adults. Kids learn the fun things. We learn that sloths are endangered because of human development and poachers.

Each page is filled with beautiful illustrations, and I like how the authors include questions to the audience for engagement.

[Meredith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been doing a sloth fiction v. nonfiction unit for years, but this book taught me a few things I didn't already know - unfortunately, many of them were in the back matter, which I generally don't read out loud to the students. However, these facts were in the main text:

- they swim well because of being GASSY
- there are six kinds
- beetles live in their fur
- people are building rope bridges for them

Will definitely be adding to my K lesson and probably using for Mock Sibert with 2 and 3 this year.

[Meghan Bohn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Okay, I *love* the illustrations! These are true to life sloths (and jaguars and harpy eagles). I didn’t know about the algae and fungi in their fur having anti-cancer properties (although doesn’t look like much has been done since it was discovered in 2014). The publisher lists it for ages 3-7; the endangered info might be pushing it a little for the lower age range. This would be up to four or five stars if the conservation information was more age appropriate. As it is, 3.5 stars.

[Becky B · Rating 4 out of 5]

A picture book introduction to sloths, their characteristics, quirks, and habitats, told from the point of view of a 3-toed sloth. More information about sloths and their vulnerability is included in the back of the book.

A fantastic, informative, and very readable intro to sloths for kids. This was written in a creative and engaging way, and of course, Rocco’s illustrations are fantastic. A great read for sloth lovers, those researching sloths, and curious readers.

[Heidi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hello, I'm a Sloth is a beautifully illustrated introduction to sloths. Told from the perspective of a sloth, readers are introduced to some of the things that make sloths unique. Sloths spend much of their time hanging from trees where the algae that grows in their fur camouflages them. The inclusion of questions invites readers to connect to the information being presented. The short, informative text makes for a perfect read aloud and a fun conversation starter for one-on-one readings or group story times. John Rocco's gorgeous illustrations perfectly complement the text. The need to help and protect sloths is introduced briefly in the main text while additional information and sources are provided in the back matter. A delightful and wonderful new series, perfect for introducing young learners to one of the worlds most unusual creatures.

[Ann Haefele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this up as I’m a fan of the author and illustrator. Children learn about sloths by a sloth narrating fascinating facts about himself, making it humorous at times. More detailed sloth info is included at the end.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you Bethany!

[Christine Barth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very fact filled and tongue in cheek. We enjoyed.

[Awjtf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this book!

[Becca · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lots of interesting facts about sloths, told in a conversational format as if the animal is speaking to the reader; contains questions for young readers to think about.

[Judy Ripke · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents a lot of good information about sloths in a way that is enticing for young readers.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series and this newest title is fantastic! Loads of follow-up opportunities

[Melanie Swider Wenz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this NF series from the animals perspective!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sloths get exploited for selfies just learned this fact from this book and got really angry so please don’t heart sloth human selfies without knowing backstory.

[Shawna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great series to have in circulation for libraries

[Mrs.MakesReadingFun · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun and engaging sloth book! It reads like a story — perfect for sharing with students — but it’s also bursting with cool sloth facts. A great pick for any young animal lover!

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hear from a sloth, up close and personal, why it lives in the trees, comes down once a week, moves so slowly, what it likes to eat, how it can help modern medicine, why it's endangered and more.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great illustrations and facts.