That Bites

What do amphibians and marsupials have in common? Other than the fact that their young are born before they are fully developed, they are both just a small sampling of the myriad creatures humans have more and more contact with today. As people continue to move into territories once solely occupied by animals at different rungs on the food chain, the need to coexist with our nonhuman neighbors has never been more relevant. While the series highlighted here include animals in our backyards, animals in zoos, and those we may never actually see due to sleeping habits, a common theme is that we need to share habitats.

K-Gr 3–These are dual-purpose books, simultaneously written for emerging and more competent readers. Each chapter spread is divided into two sections that are written at two different reading levels. A simple question (“Where is this fish going?”) is posed to emerging readers, and the answer consists of easy sentences and basic explanations consistent with the abilities of students at that level. The question asked of fluent readers is more complicated (“What is spawning?”) and the answer is more in-depth. The table of contents identifies the animals that are covered (as opposed to the prompting questions) and will be of more use to better readers. “Words to Know” are divided by reading level; unlike the main texts, they do not duplicate each other. A brief list of books and Web sites is included at the back of each volume, although the reading level the materials support is not indicated. This is an interesting series that answers common questions children might have about animals and their lives, and the format makes it suitable for a wide audience.

K-Gr 3–These overviews introduce animals that are the largest of their group. Perspective is provided by comparing each animal’s size to that of humans at the beginning of the book, and to other animals of its own species at the end. The picture-book format helps to stress the point of size, allowing for full-page and -spread pictures of the animals and large range maps. The pages are decorative without being cluttered. Back matter includes an illustrated glossary and a brief-yet-varied list of further reading. Online researchers are directed to the publisher’s homepage. This series is perfect for browsing and suitable for reports. From the brown bear to the red kangaroo, the animal kingdom is well covered here in its girth and stature.

PreS-Gr 1–Here is a series with a clear vision of its audience and agenda. Every aspect of the books is intended to aid classroom use, from the repetitive text against plentiful white space, to the list of activities for before and after reading, and the word count and level indicator on the back cover. The color photographs support the text, particularly in On the Move. The focus on comparison means that there is no real overview of any of these bugs’ lives. Each book finishes with an “Actual Size” comparison of three different bugs as well as a brief picture glossary. Unfortunately, the many different insects introduced through the course of the series are not always labeled.

Gr 1-4–This series lives up to its billing, with lots of bared teeth, blood-covered snouts, and impressive skulls. Each animal is presented only in terms of its predatory behavior, so there is no information about habitats or life cycles–this offering glories in action and gore. The “Xtreme quotes,” often from survivors of animal attacks, add an intensity that kids will love. Each book also provides an example of how these dangerous animals have been harmed by humans, matching gruesomeness with gruesomeness–all in full color. There are lots of facts within the texts, but no bibliographies, which diminishes the books’ research credentials somewhat. However, the glossaries are excellent, defining words and terms kids will actually use. These books are sure to be in high demand.

Gr 2-5–The layout in these books is cluttered, cramped, and confusing. In an apparent attempt to re-create the factoid style of books like DK’s “Eyewitness” series, the titles include a messy hodgepodge of text bubbles, text blocks, and images. Some of the images lose clarity because they are printed over two pages and a portion of the animal disappears into the gutter. Also, the placement of the pictures often interrupts the flow of the text so that readers will be uncertain where to pick up the thread when moving across spreads. This is a shame, because the information within the books is intriguing. Each one (with the exception of Frogs) ends with a “Fact File” that does a competent job of organizing what was covered in the book, but without any pizzazz.

PreS-Gr 1–Zoos are great places for children to view animals they might never get a chance to see otherwise. But are they beneficial to the animals? While that might be a philosophical debate beyond the scope of this series for emerging readers, some of these books venture into those waters–and, in the case of Lions, even imply that they should be in zoos for their own good. Other books, such as the volume about sea lions, simply report about the animals, barely mentioning zoos at all. Information is presented in a random fashion, and each of the titles ends abruptly. The exception is Panda, in which a brief mention of zoos’ efforts to protect and increase the panda population rounds off the material, making it the only title that merges the umbrella theme of the series–animals at the zoo–with the subject of the book. Stock photos only emphasize the fact that this series lacks relevant content.

PreS-Gr 1–Readers who are not yet ready for Bearport’s “Amphibiana” series will enjoy this series that covers the same animals in a format that is well suited to emerging readers. Dynamic, full-page color photographs complement controlled, repetitive vocabulary, printed in a large font against solid backgrounds. Each book provides a basic overview of its subject, along with a diagram depicting its life cycle and a map indicating where it can be found. While the information and its presentation are solid, the greatest strength of these books is the photographs that indicate the breadth of color, style, and action among amphibians. Be prepared to witness many amphibian meals, too, as the authors use every available opportunity to show off the sometimes elastic, always sticky tongue shared by these creatures that lead a dual life on land and water.

Gr 2-5–Humans and animals frequently find themselves to be in uncomfortable proximity. These books encourage readers to understand their wild neighbors, to learn how the animals might be important to the environment, to think about their own relationship with them, and to seek out community members such as zookeepers or policemen who might have further knowledge and experience to impart. The titles introduce the animal, look at it in more detail, and suggest solutions to the clash in habitats. Some of the animals covered are predators and need to be avoided, while others need our protection. The books are illustrated with up-close color photographs of the animals; most are shown in their natural habitats; Raccoons shows the animals sifting through garbage cans, trying to open plastic bags, and sneaking around domestic cats as they enter human territory. These titles are especially useful at steering the topic to an issue many readers can relate to—protecting their pets. While children cannot make all of the decisions that involve sharing outdoor spaces with a wild animal, they can certainly take a proactive role in ensuring their domestic animals’ safety. Kids who like their nonfiction local and relatable will relish these volumes.

PreS-Gr 2–Unlike Rosen’s “At the Zoo” series, which wanders in focus from volume to volume, “Asian Animals” is a well-structured series with a clear idea of its audience and goals. Each book is divided into four chapters: “Living in Asia,” “Up Close!” “Eating and Drinking,” and “Staying Safe.” The books are as much about developing literacy skills as about being informative, and they provide a word count, grade level, and early intervention level at the end of the indexes. The wide trim size allows for the inclusion of large, color photographs that support the texts (and in King Cobras, quite dramatically). The animals will appeal to children, who will enjoy the confidence they gain reading from such a solidly presented series.

Gr 2-4–This high-interest series spotlights a variety of species in diverse geographic locations. Each title explains the scientific classes of animals and what differentiates a nocturnal animal from a diurnal or crepuscular one, and includes a half-page diagram of an animal’s eye accompanied by a sidebar describing how the organ functions depending on the time of day the creature is most active. Each book also provides unique information about its subject. For example, the books explain that aye-ayes find insect larvae to eat by tapping their long middle fingers on tree branches, and that fennec foxes have fur on the soles of their feet. The animals represented will be unfamiliar to most readers and will consequently be that much more interesting. Many of the photographs are dark, but that is acceptable considering the nature of the subjects, and is consistent with the mysterious tone maintained in the books. In general, this is a well-organized and balanced series that will appeal to young researchers.

Gr 2-5–This high-interest series combines attention-grabbing information with a well-organized format. Some of nature’s most unusual patterns, defenses, and mutations are explored, and the books have spectacular color photography and eye-popping facts that will appeal to fans of the “Guinness World Records” series. Each title includes an up-close investigation, of, for example, the causes of albinism and unusual manifestations of the condition, and concludes with a summary placing the topic in the wider context of nature. Albino Animals is of particular interest because of its unusual subject matter. These books are excellent for reports, although it is a shame that there are no further-reading lists, considering the interest they will no doubt generate.

Gr 2-5–Chimpanzees have learned to use the same plants for medicinal purposes that humans use. Parrots can mimic humans and sustain a vocabulary. Pigs have been taught to play computer games. The animals covered in this series share not just smarts, but also a link with humans who have harnessed that intelligence, often developing training methods that use the species’ unique skills. Readers get an overview of the animal’s life cycle, its domestic history (where relevant), and natural habitat, and examples of how it is smart in the wild as well as when helped by human tutelage. Whereas several other series reviewed here stress the harm done by too much contact between humans and animals, this one celebrates the cooperation between the two species. Interesting color photographs and large, easy-to-read print will attract browsers and report writers alike. A well-organized, high-interest series.

Gr 5-8–These books describe how animals such as rhinos, whose overall population (25,000 plus) seems healthy enough, are threatened by serious depletions to some subspecies. Not all of the 50 reasons for the animals’ peril are necessarily compelling, but the format is an effective and efficient way to organize facts about them and the dangers they face. The books vary in tone, sometimes focusing on the threat to the animal (Tigers) and sometimes on its value and talents (Great Apes). The color photographs are of a high quality, although the layout is bland and sometimes seems unfinished, particularly when one of the 50 reasons is brief and leaves too much white space on the page. Also, numerous rescue and protection agencies are mentioned sporadically but there is no comprehensive list of them. Overall, though, this is a solid series, and students might be surprised to discover so many complex and varied reasons behind the struggle to save some of the planet’s most at-risk creatures.

Gr 4-7–This series is informative, eye-catching, well organized, and useful for reports. Readers will learn that “amphibian” means “double life,” indicating the creatures’ need to live on land but near water, and that these are resilient, ancient creatures. Along with species-specific material, each book includes a few spreads of life-cycle information, a range map, and an indication of the subject’s endangered status. Large, clear color photos depict the animals in their natural habitats. One thing this series does well is to refer to the same animals throughout. For example, the section of Water Frogs that discusses other types of amphibians features salamanders and newts, reinforcing the information found in other titles in the series, so that students who read all of the books will develop a knowledge base of a core group of amphibians. This is a great series for kids who simply want to read about a fascinating, ubiquitous family of animals.

Because many of these series are written with such a firm vision of their audience, they both impart information and meet young readers’ literacy and research needs. For the youngest audience, Capstone’s “Asian Animals” and Bearport’s “More Super Sized” succeed with a combination of eye-catching photography and consistent information structure. Rosen’s “At the Zoo,” on the other hand, written for the same reading level, misses an opportunity to enhance literacy skills and to introduce the idea of a cohesive, unifying theme. For middle grade readers, ABDO’s “Xtreme Predators,” which glories in the behavior of wild animals, effectively reminds readers that creatures only act in an extreme way toward humans when threatened. Similarly, Cherry Lake’s “Community Connections” and Enslow’s “Top 50 Reasons to Care about Endangered Animals” make the case for education as the easiest and most immediate way to understand our animal neighbors. Young researchers have here some excellent series with which to start that educational process.