HOW TO
Your guide to the language of cats, dogs, elephants, dolphins, bees and lots more!
By Dr Nick Crumpton
Illustrated by Adrienne Barman
By Dr Nick Crumpton
DOMESTIC CATS
Cats first started to live with humans around 12,000 years ago. Since then, the cat has become one of the most popular pets in the world. Cats sleep for around 15 hours a day but when they're not snoozing they can have lots to say.
Haiiiiiisssshhh
(Get away from me!)
Irrup - I rrup
(Come on! )
Cats often use chirrups or trills to talk to their kittens. These noises can also mean that they are excited about something – like receiving a treat!
34
KA . A H . A R R A . KAH…
(I want to eat that… )
Cats will usually only chatter when they are watching birds.
KR R R K R RRKRRRKRRRKRRRK R RR
Kittens meow to get their mother’s attention. As grown-ups, cats meow to ask their owners to play with them or feed them.
MEI O OW
(Hey! I’m right here. )
(This is comfy.)
Purring usually means that a cat is comfortable. Sometimes a cat will also knead a blanket, or something soft, to help soothe itself.
35
DOLPHINS
Atlantic bottlenose dolphins are complex communicators. Each dolphin has a unique whistle, which acts as its name. They also use touch and other gestures, such as nods, to interact with one another.
Slap
(I’m peeved!)
If a dolphin slaps the water with its tail, it could mean that it’s annoyed or that it’s trying to get another dolphin’s attention. Tail slaps produce shockwaves and can also be used to stun fish, making them easier for dolphins to catch.
PUUU U O O OOOF!
(This is exciting!)
When it's having fun, an Atlantic bottlenose dolphin blows air loudly out of its blowhole.
58
your gang!
When a dolphin nods its head up and down it might mean that they’re annoyed by something.
CLICKCLICKCLIC K
C L I C K C L ICK
(We’re all hanging out – this is great!)
Dolphins make clicking noises to help them find their prey. This is called echolocation. Clicks can also mean it's playtime!
I ’ m in I’m
. .
not happy .
Coordinated leaping helps to reassure all the dolphins in the pod that they’re friends. 59
GIANT PANDAS
Giant pandas might look cuddly, but they are actually solitary creatures that prefer to be left alone. Mothers and babies talk to one another, though. And so do adults looking for a mate. Giant pandas are found in the forests of southwest China.
B HA- U H A H U H A U H AU HAUU
(You look nice. )
Male pandas make bleating noises to attract a mate. These noises are similar to the sounds made by sheep.
Chrp c h i rp chip
(Oh… thank you ver y much!)
Females respond with chirps if they are interested.
WOW-WOW
Gee-gee (Mum,I’m hungry!)
(I
sad. )
’m
81
HOW TO CHAT CHICKEN
Your guide to the language of cats, dogs, elephants, dolphins, bees and lots more!
Author: Dr Nick Crumpton
Illustrator: Adrienne Barman
Ages: From 7 years
Price: £12.99
Format: Hardback
Extent: 128 pages
Trim size: 207 x 153 mm
Pub date: 5th October 2023
ISBN: 978-1-8046604-2-3
• Adrienne Barman’s artwork gives each animal a life of its own, drawing the reader into the animal world.
• Full of hilarious noises for young readers to say aloud.
• Each sound has been researched using recordings and information from scientists in the field.
• Includes both pets and wild animals.
Insects, birds, reptiles, mammals and amphibians are all talking to each other with grunts, squeaks and tweets, as part of the natural orchestra that is life on Earth. Some of those noises can sound scary, others sweet. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to understand what they were all trying to say?
Author Dr Nick Crumpton acts as our translator and guide through the animal kingdom in this fun and informative book. He teaches us what our pet dog’s bark means and how an orangutan says ‘Hello!’ (Whuuu-whuuuwhuuu just in case you ever need it!). Each sound has been researched using recordings and information from scientists in the field. This book will teach you not just how to chat chicken but also gossip with gorillas, howl with hounds and warble with whales. You’ll be ready for any adventure into the animal kingdom.
Author Dr Nick Crumpton is a children’s writer and zoologist. He wrote his first book for children while completing his PhD in zoology at the University of Cambridge, UK, and his second when working at the BBC Natural History Unit and the Natural History Museum, London. Although a research scientist by training, he is most passionate about the communication of science and sharing the secrets of the natural world through public engagement. He lives in a tumbling down house in North London.
Illustrator
Adrienne Barman illustrates from her home in Switzerland. She has published about thirty books and comics. Her book Creaturepedia has been translated into 18 languages and also won the Swiss Youth and Media Prize 2015. Bright colours, the animal world and quirky nature are at the heart of Adrienne’s drawings.
BOUNCE SALES & MARKETING – 320 City Road, London EC1V 2NZ | Tel: 020 7138 3650 | Fax: 020 7138 3658 | sales@bouncemarketing.co.uk
ORDERS – Grantham Book Services, Trent Road, Grantham, Lincolnshire NG31 7XQ Tel: 01476 541000 | Fax: 01476 541060 | orders@gbs.tbs-ltd.co.uk
WHAT ON EARTH PUBLISHING – The Black Barn, Wickhurst Farm, Leigh, Tonbridge, Kent, TN11 8PS | Tel: 01732 464621 | info@whatonearthbooks.com | whatonearthbooks.com
9 781804 660423
