Creature Magnetism: Animals | Series Made Simple Fall 2012

There’s no denying that children are drawn to the library’s 590 shelves, making it essential to acquire new material. However, it’s important to choose judiciously from the many series published each year. Are you looking for a fresh outlook or design? A sensational subject to attract reluctant readers? Replacements for much-handled books on popular creatures, such as sharks or dinosaurs? This year’s offerings include all of the above, as well as several quality choices for research that will help align students and teachers with state standards emphasizing nonfiction. Covering everything from mayflies to mambas to moray eels, there are books here for browsers and bookworms.

Preschool-Grade 4

DE LA BÉDOYÈRE, Camilla. Deadly Predators. ISBN 978-1-60992-282-5.
–––– . Fearsome Reptiles. illus. ISBN 978-1-60992-281-8.
–––– . Mini Monsters. ISBN 978-1-60992-283-2.
–––– . Scary Sharks. ISBN 978-1-60992-280-1.
ea vol: 34p. (Animal Attack Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. QEB. 2012. PLB $28.50.
Gr 3-5–Like a carnival barker’s pitch, the sensational covers of these books lure students to gape at a menagerie of fearsome and fascinating creatures. Sure to capture and hold the interest of reluctant readers as well as enthusiastic browsers, the volumes rate the scariness of the animals and provide basic information as well as enough lurid details to hit that sweet spot between “eww” and “awesome.” Jazzy, colorful graphics; heavy paper stock; “Killer Fact” sidebars; “actual size” images (of a lion’s canine tooth, for example); and a large fold-out in each volume keep the pages turning. Unfortunately, the animal photos are obscured by placement over the well in many of the spreads, and a typo slipped through in Predators. A laudable “Taking It Further” section in the back of each book encourages independent research and is complemented by a list of useful websites.

HARASYMIW, Mark. The Bizarre Life Cycle of a Salmon. chart. ISBN 978-1-4339-7059-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-7062-7. LC 2012003228.
LINDE, Barbara M. The Bizarre Life Cycle of a Cuckoo. diag. ISBN 978-1-4339-7043-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-7046-7. LC 2012000271.
–––– . The Bizarre Life Cycle of a Kangaroo. diag. ISBN 978-1-4339-7047-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-7050-4. LC 2012002832.
ROZA, Greg. The Bizarre Life Cycle of a Cicada. chart. ISBN 978-1-4339-7039-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-7042-9. LC 2011050605.
–––– . The Bizarre Life Cycle of a Mayfly. diag. ISBN 978-1-4339-7051-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-7054-2. LC 2011051764.
SHEA, Therese. The Bizarre Life Cycle of an Octopus. diag. ISBN 978-1-4339-7055-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-7058-0. LC 2011052424.
ea vol: 24p. (Strange Life Cycles Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2012. PLB $22.60; ebook $22.60.
Gr 2-5–These books deserve attention for far more than their sensational titles. Clearly written, they are bursting with information and intriguing, full-page color photos that enhance understanding of some of nature’s most unusual creatures. New vocabulary is introduced on nearly every page and is always well defined in context or in the glossary. Unfortunately, though the word “bizarre” is included in the series title, it is only defined in the glossary in Octopus. “The Facts of Life” sidebars, life-cycle diagrams, “Fun Facts” pages, charts, and back matter exemplify nonfiction features at their finest. The graphics are as appealing as the content: simple, eye-catching, and bright. Great for research or independent reading, this series may well turn students into budding biologists.

NIVER, Heather Moore. 20 Fun Facts About Anglerfish. diag. ISBN 978-1-4339-6971-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-6974-4. LC 2011047707.
–––– . 20 Fun Facts About Barracudas. ISBN 978-1-4339-6975-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-6978-2. LC 2011048254.
–––– . 20 Fun Facts About Lionfish. ISBN 978-1-4339-6979-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-6982-9. LC 2011049452.
–––– . 20 Fun Facts About Moray Eels. ISBN 978-1-4339-6983-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-6986-7. LC 2011049951.
–––– . 20 Fun Facts About Piranhas. ISBN 978-1-4339-6987-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-6990-4. LC 2011050928.
–––– . 20 Fun Facts About Stingrays. ISBN 978-1-4339-6991-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-6994-2. LC 2011051420.
ea vol: 32p. (Fun Fact File: Fierce Fish! Series). charts. photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2012. PLB $25.25; ebook $25.25.
Gr 2-5–With graphics designed to look like file folders, these volumes present fascinating fish facts in concise but detailed chapters that include physical descriptions, diets, habitats, and life cycles. Colorful, action-filled photos and captions that resemble “Post-It” notes clarify and add additional information, as do charts listing data about the featured fish or their “friends.?? Maps would have been helpful (what third grader knows where the Indo-Pacific is?) and sometimes the texts lack clarity. For example, in Lionfish, readers learn first that the creature, “isn’t a fast swimmer,” but a later page says, “Lionfish are very quick.” Nonetheless, the series is well suited for reports, and its fearsome covers and chatty tone gives it lots of browser appeal.

PETRIE, Kristin. Chameleons. ISBN 978-1-61783-439-4; ISBN 978-1-61480-075-0. LC 2012004887.
–––– . Iguanas. ISBN 978-1-61783-440-0; ISBN 978-1-61480-076-7. LC 2012011504.
–––– . Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches. ISBN 978-1-61783-441-7; ISBN 978-1-61480-077-4. LC 2012011509.
–––– . Potbellied Pigs. ISBN 978-1-61783-442-4; ISBN 978-1-61480-078-1. LC 2012004889.
–––– . Sugar Gliders. ISBN 978-1-61783-443-1; ISBN 978-1-61480-079-8. LC 2012004890.
–––– . Tarantulas. ISBN 978-1-61783-444-8; ISBN 978-1-61480-080-4. LC 2012011511.
ea vol: 24p. (Unique Pets Series). photos. glossary. index. websites. CIP. ABDO/Checkerboard Library. 2012. PLB $25.65; ebook $25.65.
Gr 3-5–This high-interest set presents well-organized information about unusual subjects in both their natural environments and as household pets. Habitats, defenses, descriptions, diets, life cycles, and care are clearly described in straightforward text enlivened by interjections (“Yikes!” and “Gross!”) and chatty sentences (“What animals look like small dragons, live in the treetops, and love to swim?”). Readers are encouraged to buy from responsible breeders and to prepare for ownership by checking on the animal’s local legality as well as by finding an expert vet. Color photos are informative, if often small, and compared to similar sets the layout in general is bland, with few sidebars and no diagrams or punchy graphics. The publisher’s web address included in the back of each book links readers to informative, kid-friendly sites.

READE, Clara. Cheetahs. ISBN 978-1-4488-7464-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-7618-1. LC 2011046781.
–––– . Hippos. ISBN 978-1-4488-7392-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-7619-8. LC 2011048013.
–––– . Lions. ISBN 978-1-4488-7391-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-7617-4. LC 2011043880.
–––– . Meerkats. ISBN 978-1-4488-7394-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-7621-1. LC 2011049396.
–––– . Warthogs. ISBN 978-1-4488-7393-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-7620-4. LC 2011048407.
–––– . Zebras. ISBN 978-1-4488-7395-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-7622-8. LC 2011050660.
ea vol: 24p. (PowerKids Readers: Safari Animals Series). photos. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2012. PLB $22.60; ebook $22.60.
PreK-1–With a design that is reminiscent of the larger-format “Pebble Plus: African Animals” series (Capstone), each attractive spread presents one large-font sentence on a white background opposite a full-bleed color photo. Unfortunately, photo choices are repetitive and inadequate. For example, in Cheetahs, near-identical headshots of the animal are used, antelopes (“their main food”) are not pictured, and nowhere in the book is the famously swift cat shown running. Nor do the photos always correspond to the texts. For instance, in Hippos, a hippo basking in a sunlit pond is opposite a sentence that states, “At night, they feed on land.” A perfunctory picture glossary and index don’t always clear up obvious questions. In Warthogs, for example, the first sentence says that “Warthogs have warts,” but there is no definition or label to clarify the term.

RISSMAN, Rebecca. Ants. ISBN 978-1-4109-4801-4; ISBN 978-1-4109-4814-4. LC 2011038864.
–––– . Bees. ISBN 978-1-4109-4802-1; ISBN 978-1-4109-4815-1. LC 2011038869.
–––– . Beetles. ISBN 978-1-4109-4803-8; ISBN 978-1-4109-4816-8. LC 2011038870.
–––– . Caterpillars. ISBN 978-1-4109-4804-5; ISBN 978-1-4109-4817-5. LC 2011038871.
–––– . Centipedes. ISBN 978-1-4109-4805-2; ISBN 978-1-4109-4818-2. LC 2011038872.
–––– . Dragonflies. ISBN 978-1-4109-4806-9; ISBN 978-1-4109-4819-9. LC 2011038921.
SMITH, Siân. Flies. ISBN 978-1-4109-4807-6; ISBN 978-1-4109-4820-5. LC 2011041228.
–––– . Grasshoppers. ISBN 978-1-4109-4808-3; ISBN 978-1-4109-4821-2. LC 2011041229 .
–––– . Ladybugs. ISBN 978-1-4109-4809-0; ISBN 978-1-4109-4822-9. LC 2011041230.
–––– . Spiders. ISBN 978-1-4109-4810-6; ISBN 978-1-4109-4823-6. LC 2011041231.
–––– . Woodlice. ISBN 978-1-4109-4811-3; ISBN 978-1-4109-4824-3. LC 2011041232 .
–––– . Worms. ISBN 978-1-4109-4812-0; ISBN 978-1-4109-4825-0. LC 2011041234.
ea vol: 24p. (Creepy Critters Series). illus. photos. index. CIP. Capstone/Raintree. 2012. PLB $24.50; pap. $8.95.
PreS-K–A dozen denizens of the garden are introduced in brief and bouncy rhyming text and varied color photos on day-glo, cartoonish illustrated backdrops. Though there are no glossaries, labels and arrows make terms clear, but given that most of the photos are close-ups, kids might be confused about each critter’s (largely unmentioned) actual size. Playful rhymes may energize a read-aloud, but sometimes lead to a confusion of words (“Grasshoppers don’t have ears like you,/so they won’t hear you saying please./Some do have parts that work like ears,/a bit below their knees.”) and forced writing (Stomp! Stomp! Stomp!/Ants like to march in line./They march through the grass/in almost no time!”). There is some anthropomorphizing and opining. For example, Bees are “trying to do their best,” and “we should all/give spiders our thanks.” A “Did You Know?” fact, helpful index, and counting exercise or activity round out each oversized title. Overall, this eye-catching and energetic series is a fine choice if your insect collection for this age group needs updating.

Grades 5 & Up

ALLEN, Kathy. Polar Bears. ISBN 978-1-4296-8432-3. LC 2011046681.
HAUGEN, Brenda. African Elephants. ISBN 978-1-4296-8664-8. LC 2012000036.
–––– . Giant Pandas. ISBN 978-1-4296-8663-1. LC 2012000041.
KOLPIN, Molly. Galapagos Penguins. ISBN 978-1-4296-8431-6. LC 2012009989.
RAKE, Jody Sullivan. Leatherback Sea Turtles. chart. ISBN 978-1-4296-8584-9. LC 2012006923.
RIEHECKY, Janet. Orangutans. ISBN 978-1-4296-8587-0. LC 2012008522.
ea vol: 32p. (Snap Books: Endangered and Threatened Animals Series). diags. maps. illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Capstone. 2012. PLB $27.32.
Gr 3-6–Written from a conservationist’s point of view, this series is made more impressive by the academic “oomph” of its expert consultants (among them a professor of biology, a zoo curator, and a director at the World Wildlife Fund). Organization and scope are superb. Each title opens with a vivid, interest-grabbing description of its subject and continues with thorough and clearly written chapters on physical traits, habitat, and life cycle; each one concludes with information about why the animal is endangered and how kids can help. New words are defined not only in the glossaries, but also at the bottom of the pages on which they appear–a user-friendly way to help readers without prior knowledge learn essential words such as “poaching,” “ecosystem,” and “rehabilitation.” Well-labeled maps, diagrams, color photos, and sidebars add a wealth of information to each attractive page. The “Read More” and “Internet Sites” recommendations are age-appropriate and current. A stellar set for research or general perusing.

MILES, Liz. Flying Monsters. ISBN 978-1-84858-567-6. LC 2011051439.
–––– . Giant Dinosaurs. ISBN 978-1-84858-568-3. LC 2011051443.
–––– . Killer Dinosaurs. ISBN 978-1-84858-569-0. LC 2011051449.
–––– . Sea Monsters. ISBN 978-1-84858-570-6. LC 2011051447.
ea vol: 32p. (Prehistoric Safari Series). chart. diag. illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Arcturus. 2012. PLB $28.50.
Gr 3-6–Visual excitement abounds in this unusual approach to nonfiction. Facts are conveyed through a fantasy journey into prehistoric times. Readers, who are addressed in the second person (“You are about to parachute from a plane down to a secret island–an island full of huge prehistoric monsters.”), encounter a multitude of fascinating creatures, described in short bursts of text augmented by text boxes of statistics and a chart on the closing pages that will make clear to students that the featured creatures existed millions of year apart and are now extinct. Characterized more by breadth than depth, the books would be only marginally useful for research. Nonetheless, their adventure-packed, imagination-encouraging framework and realistic, colorful illustrations will pique interest, and the thorough list of further readings and websites encourages additional investigation.

QEB’s “Animal Attack” and Arcturus’s “Prehistoric Safari” are exciting additions for upper elementary students and will appeal to reluctant readers, although their broad scope is better suited for browsers than researchers. Gareth Stevens’s “Fun Fact File: Fierce Fish!” reaches out to a similar audience but examines its subjects (one per book) much more deeply. Straddling the line between pets and wild animals, the creatures in ABDO’s “Unique Pets” are fascinating in and of themselves, which makes up for the somewhat bland presentation. Standouts are Gareth Stevens’s “Strange Life Cycles” and Capstone’s “Snap Books: Endangered and Threatened Animals,” both of which present thoughtful and well-written material in beautifully designed packages. The youngest segment of the audience is the least served by this season’s selections, with the lackluster PowerKids’s “PowerKids Readers: Safari Animals” and Raintree’s uninspired “Creepy Critters,” both rated as additional purchases (though “Creepy Critters” does contain superb, well-labeled photos).