Pretty Close, but Not the Same
A Side-by-Side Look at Confusable Critters
Published on 7. May 2026
Book
Hardback
40 pages
978-1-6659-7899-6 (ISBN)
Description
In this funny and fascinating picture book, learn about pairs of similar animals that are often confused for each other, and what makes them different!
Tortoises and turtles, leopards and tigers, and crocodiles and gators all have similarities. But these easily confusable creatures are NOT the same!
Did you know that a dolphin has a bottlenose, while a porpoise has a snout? Or that a manatee's tail is shaped like a paddle, and a dugong's like a whale? Or that monkeys have tails, but apes do not?
With humorous text and hilarious illustrations, this book invites curious readers to discover what makes these animals special!
Tortoises and turtles, leopards and tigers, and crocodiles and gators all have similarities. But these easily confusable creatures are NOT the same!
Did you know that a dolphin has a bottlenose, while a porpoise has a snout? Or that a manatee's tail is shaped like a paddle, and a dugong's like a whale? Or that monkeys have tails, but apes do not?
With humorous text and hilarious illustrations, this book invites curious readers to discover what makes these animals special!
Reviews / Votes
A cheery explainer for younger readers a bit hazy on the differences between animals like turtles and tortoises, or crocs and gators. "Pretty close. / But not the same," goes the refrain as Fleming pairs and compares several sets of "confusable critters." Some of the physical features she points to, such as the differently shaped snouts of dolphins and porpoises, may not be immediately discernable in real life, but Stilwell makes them prominent in her simplified figures. . . . The entry distinguishing bison from true buffalo should be a particular revelation for American readers of any age accustomed to using the two terms interchangeably. . . . For budding zoologists with a newly kindled interest in the topic. . . presented in animated verse. -- Kirkus * March 1, 2026 *More details
Language
English
Place of publication
New York
United States
Publishing group
Simon & Schuster
Target group
Children/juvenile
US School Grade: From Preschool to Third Grade, Interest Age: From 4 to 8 years
Illustrations
f-c jkt (coated: fx: sculpted emboss, spot gloss UV on matte)+int. ill. (coated); POB case art diff fr jkt; digital
Dimensions
Height: 225 mm
Width: 287 mm
Thickness: 12 mm
Weight
432 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6659-7899-6 (9781665978996)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions
E-Book
05/2026
Beach Lane Books
€10.87
Available for download
Persons
Meg Fleming is the author of Sometimes Rain, I Heart You, Here Comes Ocean!, Wondering Around, and The Everything Trail. A former voice teacher, Meg draws on her love of rhythm, rhyme, and lyricism to create and imagine stories. She lives in Minneapolis with her family. Visit her at MegFleming.net.
Steph Stilwell is a New York Times bestselling illustrator of books including I, Rock by Katie Slivensky and I Love You So Mush! by Dori Elys. Steph received her BFA in illustration from MICA and has since collaborated with clients like American Greetings, Snapchat, BarkBox, and Trader Joe's. When she isn't making work for clients, you'll likely find her scribbling in her sketchbook, binge-watching a cooking show, or baking. Steph is based in Brooklyn, New York, and you can learn more at StephStilwell.com.
Steph Stilwell is a New York Times bestselling illustrator of books including I, Rock by Katie Slivensky and I Love You So Mush! by Dori Elys. Steph received her BFA in illustration from MICA and has since collaborated with clients like American Greetings, Snapchat, BarkBox, and Trader Joe's. When she isn't making work for clients, you'll likely find her scribbling in her sketchbook, binge-watching a cooking show, or baking. Steph is based in Brooklyn, New York, and you can learn more at StephStilwell.com.