A Rainbow of Animals

K-Gr 3—In a well-thought-out format, 56 different animals from around the globe are highlighted and grouped according to color. From mammals to sea creatures to insects, each one has its own spread, and brief but interesting factual details about the color's significance are provided. Most facts are related to camouflage or attracting a mate, although exceptions include the scarlet ibis, whose feathers turn red as it ages because of the red crabs it eats as a chick. The large font and vivid close-up photographs make for an eye-catching, attractive selection. Simple, effective sentences give just enough information to inspire further investigation. Pair this book with Steve Jenkins's Living Color (Houghton, 2007) for a colorful and intriguing introduction to some exotic wildlife.—Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA