“Animals that lay eggs bury them, carry them, guard them or simply leave them alone.” In their usual blend of bold visuals and clear, crisp, engaging narrative, Steve Jenkins and Robin Page provide basic information about eggs. “All insects, spiders, amphibians and birds lay eggs.” So do most fish and reptiles, and two mammals (echidna and platypus). Each page spread looks at a different dimension of animals and eggs, from relative size (eggs to the animals and eggs to one other); to where eggs are laid; how many eggs are laid; how they are protected, packaged (egg casings), and carried; to threats to eggs; incubation; and hatching. The examples chosen to illustrate each aspect of eggs in nature make for a wide and varied range of creatures that are included in the volume. A visual index in the back provides a bit more info on the more than 50 species included in the book. (Ages 6–10)

"Appealing, accessible, and accurate, this is another admirable creation." --Kirkus

Crack the code of the incredible egg in this beautifully illustrated nonfiction picture book by Caledcott Honor-winning team Steve Jenkins and Robin Page.

Hatching a plan for survival isn't always easy in the wild. And how animals lay, protect, and even use each other's eggs as a food source help reveal the life cycle of the natural world.

Eggs come in all shapes and sizes. The ostrich's is the largest, but some are so small, you need a microscope to spot them. Animals hide them and disguise them in smart and surprising ways, too. Some abandon their eggs, while others protect them fiercely and carry them wherever they go.

There are as many kinds of eggs as there are animals that depend on them, because in the animal kingdom, the fight for survival begins with the simple, but extraordinary, egg.