Author: Maria Birmingham
Illustrator: Raz Latif
Publisher: Owlkids Books
Illustrator: Raz Latif
Publisher: Owlkids Books
A fun and engaging guessing game that demonstrates how even the most unusual animal pairs can be two of a kind.
Hummingbirds and giraffes, sharks and snails, meerkats and bees … at first glance, these pairings may seem as different as can be. But guess what? Hummingbirds and giraffes are both hummers, sharks and snails both have thousands of sharp teeth, and meerkats and bees are both huggers.
Featuring eight unexpected animal pairings, this informative and entertaining book gives readers an implicit lesson in empathy, highlighting that we are all more alike than we think.
Written in an interactive question-and-answer format perfect for reading out loud, Odd Couples is full of nonfiction fun with lots of visual humor and appeal.
Awards & Recognition
→ 2025 Forest of Reading: Silver Birch Express Award Nomination
→ 2024 Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Best Books for Kids and Teens: Spring feature
→ 2024 IODE Jean Throop Book Award: Winner
→ 2024 Shining Willow Award: Finalist→ 2023 Science Writers and Communicators of Canada Book Award: Longlisted
Reviews:
"With bright and bold illustrations, this picture book sheds a new light on how we look at animals. Described in pairs, children will see animals that have very opposite characteristics. Readers are then asked what they have in common. On the following pages, they will learn about their similar qualities, along with lots of other interesting creature facts. From the biggest to the smallest, fastest to slowest, youngsters can learn about animal habits and habitats in a super fun way. A great read-aloud that will have kids guessing and thinking about equality."
"A mind-expanding gallery of seemingly different wild creatures that share similar features or behaviors ... Will definitely leave an impression on budding naturalists."