Can an Old Dog Learn New Tricks?: And Other Questions about Animals

Is That a Fact?

by Buffy Silverman

Bats are blind. An old dog can’t learn new tricks. The early bird catches the worm. You may have heard some of these common sayings or beliefs before. But are they really true? Can they be proven using science? Let’s investigate seventeen statements about animals and find out which ones are right, which ones are wrong, and which ones still stump scientists! Find out whether a cat always lands on its feet after a fall! Discover whether camels store water in their humps! See if you can tell the difference between fact and fiction with Is That a Fact?

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Science, Middle Grade

Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2010

About the author

Author of nonfiction and poetry for young readers. Nature lover with a camera on hand.

Reviews

[Dolly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Our girls have enjoyed bringing home many different nonfiction books from their elementary school library. The titles are interesting and the narratives, illustrations and photographs, and overall layout of the books makes them just beg to be read. The fact that many of the books have information presented on just one or two pages limits the amount of detail, so the books are not boring, and children (and the adults reading with them) are bound to learn.

We've enjoyed reading the books in the You Wouldn't Want To... series as well as the Top 10 Worst... series and now our oldest has brought home this one. It appears that there are several titles in the Is That a Fact? series and I will certainly encourage our girls to bring home more.

This book has a lot of entertaining and interesting information about animals and our girls really liked the different topics, even if much of the information was familiar to them. We enjoyed reading this book together.

[Terry]

I have to say, this book surprised me. At first glance, the pages looked too busy, and the cover wasn't appealing. Both of those things are true, but the content is exceptional. Here you'll find not only the questions kids (and adults) ask, but complementary content that will pique their curiosity a little more. Full review here.

[Makayla Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I actually was not expecting to like this book, but found it very interesting. As a child I am not sure if I would have picked up this book and read ALL of the pages and words. This may be a book that I picked up, looked at and then put back.

[Duane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book focuses on commom beliefs that we've heard throughout our lives. Filled with great photographs and easy to understand writing styles, this book is a great non-fiction book for young readers and even older readers who are interested in knowing the true facts about common animal beliefs.

[Aberdeen Children's · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good non-fiction for book talking. Animals and questions we always wanted to ask. Lots of pics, lots of interest, will book talk well.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

great answers to old age questions.