June 1, 2009
K-Gr 3-These titles feature one or two large-print, simple sentences on each spread, on color backgrounds beneath a color photograph (usually a close-up). Each title briefly describes where the animal is found, its key physical characteristics, typical behavior, hunting and/or feeding techniques, defense mechanisms, diet, and natural enemies. "Puffins" also mentions mating and outlines the birth and care of young. The photographs effectively complement the texts; some include labels with arrows indicating major body parts. While there is some oversimplification in "Frogfish" and "Swordfish" the books refer to their subject animals' size in such vague terms as to be unhelpful ("Most frogfish are about the size of your hand"; "Swordfish are large fish. Their length is about the same as a man's height.")the other texts are clearly written and do an excellent job of presenting the basics. The approximately half-dozen scientific terms in each book appear in boldface and are defined in the glossary. As little information on these animals is available for this age group, these beautifully photographed introductions will help fill a gap."Karey Wehner, formerly at San Francisco Public Library"
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