Illustrated by Mark Ruffle.

Published by What on Earth Books, 2025.

We Are All Animals is an original and fascinating book which explores the similarities between humans and other animals. The book is structured thematically with each section focusing on a different aspect of life, for example, growth; communication; illness and ageing. The book’s main premise is that humans have much in common with many of the other species in the animal kingdom, including: cells, a skeleton, feelings and the need for sleep. We learn that animals suffer from many of the same illnesses as humans and that medical treatments frequently work in both humans and other animals. Indeed, the book is published in association with the Humanimal Trust, a charity which campaigns to ensure that all humans and animals benefit from equal and sustainable medical progress.

The book’s layout is clean, bold and easy to navigate. I really liked the stylised illustrations and the striking use of blocks of colour. The diagrams help to support the explanation of scientific concepts, and infographics make comparisons easier.

We Are All Animals is packed full of incredible facts and insights into the animal world. I had no idea, for example, that leeches have 32 brains nor that herrings (rather amusingly) use their farts to send underwater messages! This is definitely a book which will appeal to a young audience and keep them entertained as well as informed.

Rating: 💙💙💙💙

Suitable for children aged 8+

Thank you to What on Earth Publishing for sending me this book to review. I reviewed it as part of the We Are All Animals blog tour. Check out all the other posts on the tour for more exclusive content.