German / Germany
Das Liebesleben der Tiere
(The love life of animals)
Gathen, Katharina von der
(text)
Kuhl, Anke
(illus.)
Leipzig: Klett Kinderbuch, [2017]. – 143 p.
ISBN 978-3-95470-169-8
Non-fiction | Animals | Sexual behaviour | Seduction | Animal young
Reading age: 8+
White Ravens issue: 2018
Following her bestseller “Alles Familie” (2010; text by Alexandra Maxeiner), in 2014 Anke Kuhl published “Klär mich auf” (Tell me about sex!), as amusing as it is instructional, with Katharina von der Gathen. It seems only right that the two now expand their portfolio with “The love life of animals”. “How do animals do it?” is the central question that the book answers. Elephants, seahorses, and silver fish differ in courtship rituals, copulation techniques, and reproduction as they do in their appearance and body build. Whether monogamous or promiscuous, with bodily contact or without, using sophisticated tricks, tender approach attempts, or going at it no holds barred – it’s all there. This non-fiction book for children is neither written in a dry instructional tone or an inhibited one, but is instead refreshing and surprising with all manner of curious facts. Anke Kuhl’s pictures in her characteristic comic style are cheeky and funny, while Katharina von der Gathen’s texts are short, punchy, and informative.