November 1, 2018
Gr 3-5-Each book provides general animal information, with extra emphasis on a specific ability, such as bee communication or tool use by ravens. All titles cover the basics, including physical features, life cycles, and behaviors. Each closing page touches broadly on the animal's future survival prospects with an optimistic outlook that is appropriate for all except bees (there is no indication of a survival crisis). Typical spreads within the series consist of a couple of clearly written paragraphs on one aspect of the animal, accompanied by a full-page photograph. Captions and occasional "Did You Know?" insets provide extra bits of data without clutter. Most images support the information effectively, though some features described in the text, such as a raven's nest, don't include visual examples. Where subjects encompass many species, such as Bees and Otters, the facts presented are either common to the larger group or identified as belonging to a particular species. VERDICT Useful series with some titles that may fill subject gaps, Lyrebirds and Devil Rays in particular.
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