Aye-Ayes

Book excerpt: Welcome to the world of the aye-aye! Many readers may never have heard of this nocturnal creature. They aye-aye is an arboreal primate that is native to Madagascar. A chapter on the aye-aye's body discusses its appearance, small size, and special features, such as its long middle fingers, bushy tail, and bright yellow eyes. Other chapters cover its life cycle, diet, unique feeding habits, and habitat, including a map. Predators, including humans, are also introduced, along with threats to the aye-aye's environment, such as deforestation, and conservation efforts that are in place. Every book in the Nocturnal Animals series includes sidebars on scientific classification, the special features of the nocturnal eye, and the difference between nocturnal, diurnal, and crepuscular animals. Full-color photographs will draw in the reader while showing off the aye-aye's unique characteristics. Glossary words in bold, phonetic spellings, and an index supplement this easy-to-read text. Checkerboard Library is an imprint of ABDO Publishing Company.