A life-saving pig and an escaping octopus are among the highly intelligent animals introduced through a graphic novel format. Each book focuses on a single animal. Some use their brains to rescue humans from danger, while others, like tool-making crows, show their intelligence in a laboratory setting. Dialogue and occasional narration introduce the creatures and the humans with whom they interact, supported by paneled illustrations. While the drawings of humans conversing are rather dull, the animal scenes are more engaging and provide useful information. They highlight key developments, such as the crow’s steps towards tool creation, and capture the drama of exciting moments like a shark’s surprising appearance amid swimmers and a dolphin pod. Back matter presents a handful of animal facts followed by two short examples of other intelligent animals from the same group VERDICT Graphic novel style and interesting content could draw in reluctant nonfiction readers.

In 2002, two scientists devised a study testing whether crows could make tools. Placing a treat in a tiny bucket, the researchers lowered it into a tube. A flexible wire lay nearby. Using it, crows Betty and Abel tried to spear the food, without success. Given access to a straight wire and a bent one, Betty used the latter to raise the bucket out of the tube. Swiping the wire, Abel did the same. Next, Betty bent the straight wire into a usable tool. With the approach and look of a graphic novel, the story is based on actual events, dramatized in the lively illustrations. Most of the text appears in speech balloons within the illustrations. An intriguing glimpse of scientists evaluating the intelligence of crows, from the Animal Masterminds series (6 titles)