500s: See How They Run: Series Nonfiction on Animals

Children have always loved animal books, since domestic animals are easy to relate to, and the allure of wild, exotic creatures is difficult to resist. The challenge for publishers is to create books that are innovative, eye-catching, and informative, while treading well-worn territory. The audiences for these high-interest series run the gamut from emerging readers to middle-school report-writers, and the books cover creatures from parakeets to the vampire finch, from service animals to eco-friendly predators, and from farm to wild animals.

BODDEN, Valerie. Giraffes. ISBN 978-1-58341-714-0. LC 2007051585.
––––. Koalas. ISBN 978-1-58341-715-7. LC 2007051587.
––––. Swans. ISBN 978-1-58341-719-5. LC 2007051589.
––––. Tigers. ISBN 978-1-58341-720-1. LC 2007051591. 
ea vol: 24p. (Amazing Animals Series). photos. further reading. Web sites. CIP. Creative Education. 2009. Tr $24.25.
K-Gr 2–The animals covered in these titles are certainly impressive and interesting, but nowhere does the author make a case for them being “amazing.” Simple, uncluttered spreads consist of a few sentences of large text against white space opposite a full-page, captioned color photograph. Glossary terms are highlighted within the narrative and defined at the foot of the page. A brief list of text and online sources, as well as a simple index, are included, which makes these books suitable for beginning reports. The inclusion of a relevant folk tale at the end of each title is a welcome touch, but the stories are unsourced. Simple text and oversize pictures make this a suitable series for emerging readers to tackle on their own, or for sharing in a classroom setting.

MURRAY, Julie. Acting Animals. ISBN 978-1-60453-560-0. LC 2008042426.
––––. Crime-Fighting Animals. ISBN 978-1-60453-561-7. LC 2008044272.
––––. Military Animals. ISBN 978-1-60453-562-4. LC 2008043604.
––––. Search-and-Rescue Animals. ISBN 978-1-60453-563-1. LC 2008044273.
––––. Service Animals. ISBN 978-1-60453-564-8. LC 2008040975.
––––. Therapy Animals. ISBN 978-1-60453-565-5. LC 2008040270. 
ea vol: 32p. (Going to Work: Animal Edition Series). photos. reprods. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. ABDO. 2009. PLB $16.95.
Gr 1-3–Each title introduces the concept of working animals, places their jobs in historical context, and explains how the creatures and their human partners work together and how the animals are positively affected. The books are attractive, incorporating black-and-white and color photographs. Some are archival (the picture of a parachuting therapy dog during World War II), many are current (search-and-rescue dogs in New Orleans), and plenty are simply fun (Mr. Ed taking batting practice). These books have been well-researched, especially Acting Animals, which includes creatures from recent movies such as “High School Musical.” And while dogs and horses get the bulk of the attention, readers will learn, for example, how sea lions help the military and capuchin monkeys assist people with spinal injuries. However, the lack of cited sources or further-reading suggestions apart from the publisher’s Web site (which is too difficult for the target audience to navigate) undermines the research credentials of these books. Still, there is plenty to enjoy about “Going to Work.”

NELSON, Robin. Chickens. ISBN 978-0-7613-4060-7. LC 2008024736.
––––. Cows. ISBN 978-0-7613-4057-7. LC 2008024737.
––––. Goats. ISBN 978-0-7613-4061-4. LC 2008024738.
––––. Horses. ISBN 978-0-7613-4058-4. LC 2008024739.
––––. Pigs. ISBN 978-0-7613-4059-1. LC 2008024740.
––––. Sheep. ISBN 978-0-7613-4062-1. LC 2008024735. 
ea vol: 24p. (First Step Nonfiction: Farm Animals Series). diag. photos. glossary. index. CIP. Lerner. 2009. Tr $21.27.
PreS-Gr 2–Simple text and colorful photographs introduce the different types of farm animals and what they do. Word repetition and the presentation of single sentences on white space beneath three-quarter-page color photographs help to keep this a straightforward reading experience. There is a smooth flow of words and information from page to page, so that the repetition feels natural rather than stilted (particularly noticeable in Chickens, which reads fluidly, if backwards, from bird to egg). Each volume ends with a pictograph indicating the parts of the animal and some facts (written at a higher reading level than the main text). The glossary is especially useful because it includes pictures. While this series is not as eye-catching as ABDO’s “Animal Sounds,” it is utilitarian and has broad child appeal. An excellent choice for beginning readers.

SCHEUNEMANN, Pam. Bees Buzz! ISBN 978-1-60453-567-9. LC 2008033917.
––––. Cats Meow! ISBN 978-1-60453-568-6. LC 2008033918.
––––. Cows Moo! ISBN 978-1-60453-569-3. LC 2008033919.
––––. Dogs Bark! ISBN 978-1-60453-570-9. LC 2008033920.
––––. Ducks Quack! ISBN 978-1-60453-571-6. LC 2008033921.
––––. Tigers Roar! ISBN 978-1-60453-572-3. LC 2008033922. 
ea vol: 24p. (Animal Sounds Series). photos. glossary. CIP. ABDO/SandCastle. 2009. PLB $13.95.
PreS-Gr 2–These books are brief and playful introductions to each animal, with their noises used as a unifying device. The rhyming texts are presented in a large, clear font that stands out against the colorful photos. Informational inserts are on a higher reading level. They sometimes interfere with the flow of the reading and get in the way of the pictures, but these are minor quibbles because the layout and design of the books are otherwise excellent. The pictures enhance the text; the animals have been photographed creatively–sometimes up close, sometimes off-kilter, but always at their best. Each book has a fun “Animal Sounds Around the World” glossary that notes that volume’s animal sound in English, German, Japanese, French, Greek, and Spanish. This is a useful series for classroom libraries and for beefing up nonfiction easy-reader collections.

STEVENS, Kathryn. Cats. ISBN 978-1-60253-180-2. LC 2008039999.
––––. Dogs. ISBN 978-1-60253-181-9. LC 2008040000.
––––. Fish. ISBN 978-1-60253-182-6. LC 2008040109.
––––. Hamsters. ISBN 978-1-60253-183-3. LC 2008040001.
––––. Hermit Crabs. ISBN 978-1-60253-184-0. LC 2008040006.
––––. Lizards. ISBN 978-1-60253-185-7. LC 2008040806.
––––. Parakeets. ISBN 978-1-60253-186-4. LC 2008040002.
––––. Turtles. ISBN 978-1-60253-187-1. LC 2008040807. 
ea vol: 24p. (Pet Care for Kids Series). illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. The Child’s World. 2009. Tr $21.36.
K-Gr 2–As stated at the beginning of each book, this series is written for children who are not ready to take care of a pet independently and need help deciding which species to get; the content is written accordingly. After a brief introduction, the books break down the needs of each animal. Stevens does a good job of focusing on what children can do as responsible owners: simple grooming, playing, and being aware of dangers to avoid, for example. Several volumes are personalized by a photograph of a particular pet, whose age is given. Besides offering a variety of animals to choose from, the books each emphasize lifespan, since this is something which will inevitably impact children. The pages have a file-folder look to them, which supports the experience of researching the perfect companion. Liberal use of color photographs highlights not only the animals but some of their accoutrements (shells for hermit crabs, leashes for dogs). The creature’s body parts are featured at the back in a “Fun Facts” section. A good series for families to share as they contemplate bringing an animal home.

STEWART, Melissa. Why Are Animals Blue? ISBN 978-0-7660-3251-4. LC 2008011469.
––––. Why Are Animals Green? ISBN 978-0-7660-3252-1. LC 2008011470.
––––. Why Are Animals Orange? ISBN 978-0-7660-3250-7. LC 2008011471.
––––. Why Are Animals Purple? ISBN 978-0-7660-3254-5. LC 2008011473.
––––. Why Are Animals Red? ISBN 978-0-7660-3249-1. LC 2008011472.
––––. Why Are Animals Yellow? ISBN 978-0-7660-3253-8. LC 2008011474. 
ea vol: 32p. (Rainbow of Animals Series). maps. photos. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow. 2009. Tr $22.60.
K-Gr 2–The world is a rainbow of animals, and this series sets out to explain why. There is much repetition within these books, and a pattern quickly emerges as to how or why certain species appear as they do. The explanations generally fall into one of four categories: because they are poisonous (reptiles and insects), to attract a mate (birds and mammals), for the purpose of camouflage (common across all species), or because of diet (predominantly the case with birds). Each book begins with “Words to Know,” which are highlighted in the appropriate color within the text. The stunning photographs often showcase the animals’ vibrancy against contrasting colors. Each volume ends with clear, color range maps. This unusual, appealing series is easy to read and will be a solid selection for reluctant readers.

ALLMAN, Toney. Animal Life in Groups. 104p. May ISBN 978-1-60413-142-0. LC 2008040120.
GOLDSTEIN, Natalie. Animal Hunting and Feeding. 136p. June ISBN 978-1-60413-143-7. LC 2008040124.
SCHUELLER, Gretel H. & Sheila K. Schueller. Animal Migration. 104p. June ISBN 978-1-60413-127-7. LC 2008040125.
TOMECEK, Steve. Animal Communication. 136p. Apr. ISBN 978-1-60413-089-8. LC 2008040116.
WEST, Krista. Animal Courtship. 104p. July ISBN 978-1-60413-090-4. LC 2008040121.
WILSDON, Christina. Animal Defenses. 136p. May ISBN 978-1-60413-089-8. LC 2008040116. 
ea vol: (Animal Behavior Series). illus. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Web sites. CIP. Chelsea House. 2009. PLB $32.95.
Gr 6-10–Unlike QEB’s “Awesome Animals” and Enslow’s “Rainbow of Animals,” which both present facts and features on creatures according to species or color, this set explains those facts and features within the context of behavior. The detailed information is well organized and offers examples of how nature maintains its own balance, such as explaining how some predators are able to break down the defenses of their prey, despite how clever the author just made those defenses sound. Color photographs appear throughout. Solid resources for reports.

HUGGINS-COOPER, Lynn. Amazing Creatures. ISBN 978-1-59566-563-8. LC 2008011764.
––––. Beastly Birds and Bats. ISBN 978-1-59566-562-1. LC 2008011766.
––––. Creepy Crawlers. illus. ISBN 978-1-59566-561-4. LC 2008011767.
––––. Freaky Fish. illus. ISBN 978-1-59566-560-7. LC 2008011765.
––––. Revolting Reptiles. ISBN 978-1-59566-564-5. LC 2008011768.
––––. Slimy Sliders. ISBN 978-1-59566-565-2. LC 2008011769. 
ea vol: 32p. (QEB Awesome Animals Series). photos. glossary. index. CIP. QEB. 2009. PLB $27.10.
Gr 4-7–Comprehensive overviews of some of the natural world’s strangest and deadliest creatures. The grouping of animals by species and by distinguishing features (slimy secretions, talented tongues, low aesthetic value) creates a leisurely style well-suited to browsers and reluctant readers. These patrons will also enjoy the scrapbook-style usage of color photographs, “Foul Fact!” insets, compact paragraphs, and captions. There is some beastly crossover among the titles and a handful of repeated themes, such as how some of the animals’ worst traits can be beneficial to humans (turning gila monster saliva into diabetes medication), or the frequent use of feces, slime, and vomit to either repel predators or protect young. Each volume includes a craft. Buy where zoology books and the Guinness Book of World Records are popular.

Although these series are as different from each other as the animals they introduce, they stand well together as a group. All benefit from superior color photography and, particularly in the case of “Animal Sounds,” are formatted with a multimedia-aware audience in mind. Whether grouping animals by their color, work skills, or bizarre behavior, these series offer children a chance to explore the animal kingdom at various reading levels. For younger readers, consider especially the “First Step Nonfiction: Farm Animals,” “Animal Sounds,” “Pet Care for Kids,” and “Rainbow of Animals” series. Older readers will enjoy both “QEB Awesome Animals” and the more detailed “Animal Behavior.”

Abhorrent and Amazing: Series Nonfiction on Odd Animals (Fall 2008)

A Furry Few: Series Nonfiction on Mammals (Fall 2008)

Dinosaurs to Dolphin: Series Nonfiction on Reptiles and Fish (Fall 2008)