Steven,
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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.
The Dawn of Planet Earth
High-quality individual titles stand alone, and the whole set provides a strong introduction to prehistoric life.
The evolution of animal life on Earth, from formation to the rise of mammals, is profiled across the four books. Hosted by a smiley tetrapod, each packed two-page spread features facts and descriptions of several species and their remains, their environments, and major geological and evolutionary events. Computer-generated images of the various creatures include many with anthropomorphized features. Ind. Review covers these Prehistoric Field Guides titles: The Dawn of Planet Earth, Dinosaurs Rule, The Last Days of the Dinosaurs, and The Rise of Mammals.
Chameleons
Bare-bones material paired with strong visual appeal makes this set an excellent choice for beginners; older readers will want more content.
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.
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.
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