Anglerfish

Gr 3–6—Each sea creature's most frightful and dangerous feature (the stingray's venom, an octopus's tentacles) provides an entry point into its world. The author offers general information on diet, habitat, and reproduction in addition to discussing each animal's most intimidating characteristic. Interesting details are scattered throughout. Examples of these creatures' interactions with humans are included, ranging from the benign to the cautionary to the unfortunate. Readers are reminded that swimmers are entering the sea creatures' territory and that the animals are reacting naturally. Stingrays and Shark mention overfishing and dwindling numbers. The design enhances these books, through labeled and captioned action-packed photographs, bright yellow overlaid text boxes that have a bite mark taken out of them, and orange "warning sign" fact boxes. Students will come away with new respect for these animals.