Don’t get too close to a porcupine! These prickly creatures defend themselves with a suit of armor—30,000 sharp quills that can be shot like arrows into an enemy’s flesh! If the needle-like quills aren’t enough to scare a hungry predator away, a porcupine makes a stinky odor that’s so horrible it can make an enemy’s eyes and nose water! These are just some of the fascinating facts kids will discover as they explore the world of these prickly animals. Large, eye-popping photos and clear, grade-appropriate text engage emergent readers as they learn all about the unique and gross ways porcupines protect themselves. A section in the back of the book profiles another animal that protects itself in a similar way, to help reinforce the concept of defense mechanisms.