From Fluffy to Fearsome

Every continent on this planet has lost species and is in danger of losing more. While not each one of these series is specifically focused on saving endangered animals—the dinosaurs are clearly lost already—the books share a recurring theme of misunderstanding and sometimes mismanagement when it comes to humans’ relationship with animals. Even farm animals are sometimes misunderstood by casual observers. (Do you know why you should not feed bread to ducks?) These series introduce animals wild and domestic, faraway and in your backyard, and aim to provide information not just about the creatures’ lives, but also how humans have benefited from their presence on this planet.

PreS-Gr 2–These easy readers introduce distinctly different animals (some, such as pigeons, prairie dogs, and bats, are united in their “perceived pest” status) in a fun way. Fresh photography, a creative use of graphics, and a collagelike layout make them eye-catching. Interactive text (“Why are all these bats upside down?”) and a “Fun Facts” page in Bats, Pigeons, and Snails will engage readers. Each book ends with a labeled diagram of the animal, a range map, and a further-reading list that includes print and online resources in a single list, a nice way of validating both types of materials.

K-Gr 3–Each book in this series compares and contrasts the habitats, physical characteristics, location, and lifestyles of two similar animals. The picture-book format is used to great effect as it allows the two animals to be compared side by side on each spread. The bold, expressive watercolors provide the same visual impact as photographs. A single-page, labeled illustration of both animals at the end of each book recaps the points covered in the text. Short sentences and highlighted fun facts make this a high-interest series with broad appeal for both researchers and browsers.

Gr 1-3–This well-structured if somewhat formulaic series introduces individual endangered animals. The creatures’ habitats, diets, and the threats they face are detailed through a combination of exposition and letterboxes. A “Myth and Legends” segment at the end of each book provides the opportunity to think about how the reality of the animal compares to misconceptions common where they live. For example, Elephants describes how, in Africa, many believe that the animals are lucky, and “When elephants trample crops, some people blame evil spirits instead of the elephants.” Plentiful color photographs and a range map add to the titles, and useful Web sites appear throughout. No further-reading lists are offered, although organizations dedicated to the animals’ welfare are listed as sources of further information. Competent supplements.

Gr 2-4–Gonzales features animals that readers might be familiar with but rarely get a chance to see. Basic details are complemented by eclectic trivia, such as the fact that bats sleep hanging upside down and that only male crickets chirp. Each volume concludes with a defense of the animal (for they are not all lovable) and why it is vital to humans. The layout is attractive, with easy-to-read text and eye-catching photography. Good for reports, despite a lack of print further-reading resources. A webliography is available on the publisher’s site.

K-Gr 2–Profiling long-established as well as recently discovered dinosaurs, this series provides a brief introduction to each species, an explanation of its name, and information about the process that led to its discovery. Each volume concludes with a map indicating where fossils have been found and explaining the job of a fossil hunter. Gray uses speculative language to describe how dinosaurs might have lived their daily lives (“Perhaps Allosaurus followed herds. Maybe it ate dinosaurs that became sick or died”). This, along with theorizing about the function of certain body parts, and the admission that scientists sometimes come to the wrong conclusions, presents paleontology as a fluid, ever-changing field where new discoveries are possible every day. Photographs paired with artist renditions make an exciting presentation. A competent and concise introduction.

Gr 2-3–Each of these titles focuses on an endangered animal, although status is not the overriding emphasis. Instead, the books’ three chapters reveal the creatures’ habitats, characteristics, diet, and parenting techniques, often providing fun facts that are not found in other similar books. Readers will learn, for example, that grooming helps chimpanzees feel calm, that whales are divided into two groups–those with teeth and those without–and that lions catch their prey only by ambush, not by running. The straightforward presentation of the information and the uncluttered and attractive layout make these books good choices for reports. Color photographs, while not outstanding, are well utilized and complete a solid package. This is a good series for replacing older books or supplementing existing collections.

Gr 2-4–“Raptors” is the umbrella term for birds of prey, six of which are introduced and detailed in this high-interest series. The books focus on hunting techniques, habitats, and skills in rearing young. ”Raptor Report” factoids highlight interesting tidbits–for example, Eagles explains that the creatures raise their hackles when they sense danger. Plentiful photos of the birds in action enhance what is already an exciting topic (Vultures is particularly compelling). There is a non-preachy emphasis on the need for humans to find a way to coexist with raptors. These are great sources for reports, although the lack of print materials in the further-reading list is disappointing.

Gr 2-4–This series focuses on conservation, and as such has a slightly different focus from the “Benchmark Rockets: Animals” (Marshall Cavendish) and “Creatures of the Night” (Rosen) series, which have the same target audience. While both of those sets mention the endangered status of some of their subjects, “Eye to Eye” sets out to introduce readers to the animals, explain the dangers they face, and detail the efforts of biologists and conservationists to save them. A minuscule list of Web sites and a lack of print further-reading resources limit the books’ research value, but animal lovers will still find them to be serviceable and informative.

Gr 1-3–Each volume begins by questioning what readers already know about the featured animal. The interactive style continues with recommended tie-in activities and prompting sidebars, until the conclusion, when children are given a chance to revisit their original impression and measure it against what they have learned. This proactive approach to a subject that has been covered in plenty of previous series helps to keep the material fresh and interesting. While each book follows a similar format, the series does not have a cookie-cutter feel, with each animal getting its due attention. Lots of facts and current further-reading lists that recommend both print and online resources make this a good choice for reports.

Gr 1-3–This high-interest series offers a comprehensive overview of nature’s ingenuity when it comes to staying safe. The information is divided into spreads that highlight a way in which animals protect themselves. For example, Armor discusses “Harmful Horns and Antlers” and “Slashing Claws and Talons,” with each page covering one animal. An information box of “Vital Statistics” mentions the creature’s length, habitat, distribution, and predators. Secondary boxes on the specific attack or defense mechanism (such as one on a snake’s pattern in Camouflage) sometimes add to the text, although they often repeat information. The well-organized books are enhanced by color photographs showing the animals at their cunning best. Each title concludes with an animal that benefits from “Double Defense,” incorporating a mechanism covered in more than one book. These case studies seamlessly link the volumes together and will ensure browsing.

K-Gr 2–These attractive introductions combine easy-to-read text, well laid out against copious white space (or blue, or green, or yellow, depending on the camouflage) with beautiful full-page color photographs. The photos–the highlight of the volumes–are such effective examples of camouflage that they will provide readers with fun “I Spy” opportunities. Since the series is for emerging readers, it is less thorough than the “Animal Attack and Defense” series (Marshall Cavendish, see above). An excellent choice.

PreS-Gr 2–Like the books in the “Lightning Bolt Books: Animal Close-Ups” series, which incorporates funky photography with an inspired layout, these titles are colorful, fun, and engaging introductions to topics of broad appeal. Each volume features a different animal group, discusses what it eats, how it raises its young, and where it lives. The informal style does not work as well with the broader topic of groups as it does with the specific animals discussed in “Lightning Bolt Books: Animal Close-Ups,” but that is a minor complaint. Fun facts and lists of current further-reading sources make this set a great starting point for young researchers.

K-Gr 3–This series is a straightforward introduction to animals that are mighty not only in size but also in power. While giraffes, gorillas, and hippos are physically mightier, the predatory tigers and bears gain their place in the series because of their impressive strength. Each book includes a spread of “Mighty Facts” that gives solid details such as how far a tiger can jump, and tidbits such as the fact that gorillas build a new nest each time they sleep (although no explanation is offered as to why they do this). “Mighty Mammals” is neither groundbreaking nor innovative but it is a good source for school projects and a suitable hi-lo choice to replace older titles.

If a single message is clear from these books, it is that animals’ diets, hunting techniques, and habitats are part of a finely tuned and sometimes precarious balance of existence. They deserve protection as the line between human and animal territory becomes blurred. This is a message that the youngest readers will understand from series like “Lightning Bolt Books: Animal Close-Ups” (Lerner), “Creatures of the Night” (Rosen), and “Raptors” (Rourke). Older readers and researchers can look to the fine “Benchmark Rockets: Animals” (Marshall Cavendish) and “Eye to Eye with Endangered Species” (Rourke) to discover what conservationists are doing to save endangered wildlife populations.

Christina Connolly, Clark University, Worcester, MA

Gr 2-4–This series explores the danger posed by several varieties of well-known sea creatures. Each volume begins with a documented encounter in which the animal has perpetrated an injury on an unsuspecting human. The books are fortified by “Danger” fact boxes throughout, which provide related tidbits such as information on the anatomy of a moray eel’s jaw. The series approach will jibe well with the thrill-seeking nature of kids, though some may find the books scary. Print further-reading resources and suitable Web sites are suggested, but the abundance of close-up color photographs will be what clinches the deal for librarians. This innovative take on a popular subject will elicit lively classroom discussions and inspired reports.

WEARING, Judy. Jellyfish ISBN 978-1-60596-100-2; ISBN 978-1-60596-101-9. LC 2009025986.
WEARING, Judy. Manta Rays ISBN 978-1-60596-104-0; ISBN 978-1-60596-105-7. LC 2009025988.
WEARING, Judy. Sea Turtles ISBN 978-1-60596-106-4; ISBN 978-1-60596-107-1. LC 2009004987.
WEARING, Judy. Seahorses ISBN 978-1-60596-102-6; ISBN 978-1-60596-103-3. LC 2009004986. ea vol: 24p. (World of Wonder: Underwater Life Series). photos. reprods. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Weigl 2009. PLB $24.45; pap. $8.95.

K-Gr 2–An excellent entrée to the great blue sea and some of its more famous inhabitants. The large-print texts begin with introductory information and progress to more unique details of the featured creatures. Bold photographs juxtaposed on colorful background graphics will hold the attention of even the most novice readers. Craft activities, complete with supply lists, instructions, and teaching points, conclude the books. Further reading consists of three Web sites per title. These volumes are sure to make a splash with budding marine biologists everywhere.