Ready, Steady, Sloth!

Follow—very slowly—a brown-throated sloth and her clinging baby as they go on a secretive, daring mission in this captivating look at a hugely popular creature by a BBC documentary maker.

Did you know that sloths give birth hanging upside down? That they fall out of their tree in the rainforest canopy about once a week? That they’re covered with algae and small brown moths that serve as an excellent disguise? Or that it takes them thirty days to digest a single leaf? The animals’ slow digestion may account for their weekly long journey from treetops to ground (where they deposit a smelly signal to other sloths), and their talent for freezing in place helps to keep them safe from predators during this dangerous operation. With humor and warmth, this engaging narrative, coupled with vividly colorful, friendly illustrations, is sure to please sloth lovers and attract new fans. More information about the seven species of sloths can be found in the back matter, along with resources for helping to save this enduring animal’s dwindling habitat.