Booklists - Cooperative Children's Book Center

To print a CCBC booklist, click on a list below and then use your browser’s “Print” command. You can also select books from one or more booklists to create a custom list, which can also include books from the CCBC-Recommended Book Search.

< Back to booklist

Mysterious Glowing Mammals: An Unexpected Discovery Sparks a Scientific Investigation

by Maria Parrott-Ryan

CCBC Review:

This intriguing science mystery by a debut Wisconsin author begins in the Northwoods, on a night ecologist Jonathan Martin was studying tree frogs in his backyard. Using his ultraviolet flashlight, he saw something pink and luminous flash through the upper canopy. He couldn’t believe his eyes: It was a flying squirrel. Specifically, a GLOWING flying squirrel. Nothing like it had ever been documented. The surprise discovery led to the formation of a small team of scientists at Northland College in Ashland. Was this phenomenon unique? Tied to a specific family of squirrels or certain species? Was the fur glowing from exposure to something, or did it glow naturally? Were there other animals that glowed? “Team Biofluorescent,” as they called themselves, began researching the scientific record to find out what else was known about biofluorescence in animals. There were many examples of jellyfish, coral, and sea anemones, and some land animals like tree frogs and chameleons, but only one record of a mammal, and nothing about flying squirrels. They narrowed their search by looking at other specimens at the Field Museum in Chicago, discovering even more surprises in the dark. Their exciting scientific discovery from 2019 is told here in an engaging account that includes explanation of scientific terms, and captivating photographs. ©2023 Cooperative Children’s Book Center

CCBC Age Recommendation: Ages 8-13
Age Range: Grades 3-5 (Ages 8-10) Grades 6-8 (Ages 11-13)
Format: Picture book
Subjects: Animals (Informational) Science and Scientists

Publishers: Lerner, Millbrook
Publish Year: 2023
Pages: 56
ISBN: 9781728460413
CCBC Location: Non-Fiction, 599 Parrott-Ryan

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Our Recommended Book Search includes subject access to CCBC-recommended titles based on subject headings created by our staff.