Really Strange Birds

Gr 4–7—While unusual-looking animals with surprising physical abilities supply a "gee-whiz" factor to attract casual readers, the series generally focuses on its goal of explaining the advantages of such adaptations. All of the volumes discuss and offer examples of camouflage, a topic particularly prominent in Marine Animals. They consider various features that help creatures attract mates, elude predators, lure prey, and protect young. Birds features a number of related adaptations that contribute to successful migration, while Mammals includes a helpful explanation of how whales and other divers can spend extended periods of time underwater. In addition to the expected toads, frogs, and salamanders, Amphibians highlights lesser-known caecilians. For the most part, the volumes avoid turning into a hodgepodge of odd creatures, although Reptiles has the weakest topical organization