Amazing Animal Communicators

Gr 4–6—The potentially confusing series title refers not to people who study animals but to creatures whose abilities parallel those of human experts. Through eight or nine two-page "case studies" per volume, the author examines the special abilities of a particular species or animal group. Each profile opens with a brief explanation of the creature's significant trait and then explores its physiology and behavior in more detail. Layouts suggest a scientist's notebook, with busy but not overly cluttered combinations of text, illustrations, and insets. One large photograph is typically accompanied by two or three smaller photos or illustrations, which sometimes provide useful details. Text boxes offer either extra facts, such as "Copycat" notes, which highlight human creations that resemble the animal's attribute (for instance, electronic inks that are similar to chameleon skin).