Pretty Close, But Not the Same - by Meg Fleming (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Discover seven pairs of similar animals that are easily confused for each other, and what makes them unique!"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

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!

Review Quotes

A rhyming picture book introduction to cryptic species. . . . The animals do the talking in this title, clarifying misconceptions, and sharing with kids what makes them different from their doppelganger counterparts. The charming images in bold colors, the variation of font sizes, and the critters' speech bubbles make this a prime selection for reading aloud. . . . This would make an attention-grabbing selection for early elementary STEM curriculum.--School Library Journal "5/29/26"

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"

About the Author

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.