Good reads offer the fascinating and the practical

So you think you know a lot about animals? "The Book of Animal Ignorance: Everything You Think You Know Is Wrong" (Crown, $20) is here to set you straight.

Authors John Lloyd and John Mitchinson are the authors of The New York Times best-selling "Book of General Ignorance," and their beastly follow-up is full of often unbelievable (but absolutely true) facts about the animal kingdom. It's a can't-put-it-down read.

Did you know, for instance, that a female komodo dragon doesn't need a male to reproduce? That an elephant's trunk is powerful enough to kill a lion with a single blow, yet delicate enough to pick up a grain of rice? That a mole will die if it goes more than eight hours without eating? Now you do.

What if your search for animal knowledge is more practical in nature? If, like most dog or cat owners, you need information on how to cut your pet's nails rather than on the mating habits of the hyena? Two new books from Arden Moore have you covered.

After the runaway success of her "Real Food for Dogs" during last year's pet food recall, Moore's "Happy Cat, Happy You" and "Happy Dog, Happy You" (Storey, $11 each) will help make your relationship with your pet less about stress and more about fun. From how to stop your dog's unwanted barking to how to keep your cat calm on a long car trip, these handy guides are jammed with tips designed to make life easier for pets and their owners alike.