Blue Whales

Gr 1–3—Each of the six featured species is distinguished by length, height, or weight—sometimes all of the above. Three to four sentences per page accompany a single photograph covering more than half of each spread. Much of the content focuses on the animal's size. Facts and figures are supported by helpful comparisons: the 3.5-ounce weight of a goliath beetle, for example, becomes more impressive when readers learn it is heavier than a robin. Students also discover how extreme size helps each animal to survive. Large, clear photos provide strong reinforcement for the simple facts. In Ostriches, for instance, successive pages provide great examples of head, legs, feet, wings, and eggs. Though size is the main topic, additional areas, such as food and life cycles, are included, while a closing "More Facts" page adds a few more bits of data.