Gorilla Journal

Gr 2–5—These titles present an overview of different animals through fabricated journals from a safari-goer. While the books provide plenty of facts and information, the material is presented within a fictional context, like Joanna Cole's "Magic School Bus" (Scholastic) series, which could present difficulties in using these titles as a reference source for research. Each spread features a mix of photographs, sketches, maps, newspaper clippings, and watercolor illustrations. Readers will appreciate the layout, which is reminiscent of a travelogue, with fonts resembling handwriting and photos and sketches "taped" next to diary entries. Children will enjoy learning fun and unusual facts about these species, along with the more traditional information on habitat, lifespan, feeding habits, and more. Lion Journal contains a few graphic photographs depicting lions "enjoying a meal," which may be disturbing to younger or sensitive readers. Libraries with a need for additional animal titles may want to consider this engaging and interesting series.—Lauren M. Sinacore, George M. Davis Elementary School, New Rochelle, NY