THE HUNTERS

Fact files on carnivorous beasts, from scorpions to swordfish.

Rather than construct narratives for their 20 randomly ordered selections, Pintos and Iannuzzi toss pithy fact bits and spot images across each spread around a full body portrait, with inconspicuous arrows here and there to link related items. Though at least systematic when it comes to providing range maps, typical sizes and weights, conservation status, and like basics, several entries may leave readers struggling to decode statements—for instance, the rat’s “predatory instinct is activated only when hungry.” Readers may also be left wondering why only about 3,000 electric eel young are born when the female lays roughly 17,000 eggs. The stylistic art is arresting, making vibrant use of texture to depict patterns on the Indian cobra, the Tasmanian devil, and the panther. Brief descriptions of the various animals ramp up the drama: The eagle is “silent and powerful,” while the heron’s “beak never misses.” A final note on food chains headed “Everybody Hunts” (herbivores may take rightful umbrage) closes out an informative if somewhat disorganized survey of the “red in tooth and claw” set. The only human figures are small silhouetted bodies or body parts included to show scale.

Chewy fare for animal lovers, best suited for random browsing.