Wild Animals of the North

Gr 1–4—Braun's illustrations make for an attractive presentation on animals native to the Northern Hemisphere. Each creature is illustrated in either action or repose; in their natural environment or set against a solid-color background. Short paragraphs detail certain attributes or traits; however, only some of the featured animals receive this treatment. This inconsistency is questionable, as readers will surely want to know about the red panda or the compass jellyfish as much as the fire salamander. The inclusion of vocabulary words like deciduous without a glossary, the use of Briticisms, and the lack of sources listed limit this title's usefulness for reports and independent reading—young readers will likely need adult assistance. Furthermore, the picture index is not organized alphabetically but by the order in which the creatures appear in the text. Nonetheless, the color, design, and detail all make Braun's work delightful; the text and the illustrations meld with liveliness and a touch of humor (the Pileated Woodpecker can peck on wood all day "without getting a headache"). Front papers and endpapers peppered with claws and paw prints round out this decorative volume.