Steven Engelfried
461 Articles
Last 30 days
Last 6 months
Last 12 months
Last 24 months
Specific Dates
From:
To:
Allosaurus
Smooth prose and strongly organized text and illustrations make this a better-than-average choice for the dinosaur shelves.
The series describes common and less-familiar dinosaurs through a focus on prominent fossil finds, explaining how the evidence can be used to determine the behaviors, feeding habits, competitors, and environments of each species; paleontologists are also profiled. Tiny photos, illustrations of varying quality, and odd layouts detract somewhat from the presentations. There are seven other fall 2015 books in this series. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Exploring Dinosaurs titles: Apatosoaurus, Compsognathus, Maiasaura, Oviraptor, and Velociraptor.
Amazing Animal Communicators
Plenty of information is packed into each book, with visuals that are effective, if not especially eye-catching.
This informative series centers on abilities common to various animals. After a two-page introduction, each book breaks down the title ability into subtopics explored in two-page case studies, such as chemical communication of skunks and metamorphosis of frogs. Engaging captioned photographs and sidebars are included on clean layouts. The books end without conclusions, but the material is compelling. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers the following Fact Finders: Animal Scientists titles: Amazing Animal Communicators, Amazing Animal Shape-Shifters, and Amazing Animal Tool-Users and Tool-Makers.
Keystone Species that Live in Deserts
Though the series is not perfect, it fills an important subject gap, since print resources for kids on the topic of keystone species are sparse.
Alligator: Master of Might
Adequate species data for beginners, with minimal tie-ins to the superhero motif.
The "superpowers" that make alligators, salamanders, and poison dart frogs unique as well as more basic information are introduced using short sentences and eye-catching color photographs. The information amounts to a cursory glance, but the material is presented in an engaging manner and may inspire further research. An illustrated "superhero" for each animal and a quiz are appended. Glos. Review covers these Super SandCastle: Animal Superpowers titles: Alligator, Poison Dart Frogs, and Salamander.
Boa Constrictor vs. Grizzly Bear
An intriguing premise with some appeal, but not completely engaging.
Crocodiles: Built for the Hunt
Above-average treatment of a high-interest topic.
Short two- or three-paragraph chapters accompanied by large, pertinent color photos clearly explain the concepts of predator and prey. The text focuses on the crocodile's hunting style: discussing the kinds of prey it seeks, the creature's size, speed, physical attributes, defenses against counterattack, and strategy. Fact sidebars and same-page vocabulary definitions are helpful design elements. Reading list. Glos., ind.
We Need Worms
The scope necessarily varies depending on the topic, but the theme of balanced ecosystems is well supported by words and images.
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER? LOG IN
Thank you for visiting.
We’ve noticed you are using a private browser. To continue, please log in or create an account.
