Opossums

Opossums can be nasty, vicious marsupials (animals that carry their young in a pouch, like a kangaroo).  So I was very excited when Cynthia, Moonglow’s artist, portrayed them as cute! In the natural world they are nocturnal and scavengers that also eat plants and small animals. They are well known in fiction and non-fiction stories for “playing dead”. I was intrigued when I learned that this is an involuntary reaction to fear or stress, like fainting. During this catatonic state, they become stiff, close their eyes or stare off into space and foam at the mouth. This can last for hours! Being not the cutest animal in the kingdom and having a nasty reputation, I am thrilled our book introduces our reading audience to this delightful hair-styling group.