Capybaras and Pygmy Mice

Gr 3–5—Some muddled writing and less than ideal use of photographs limit the appeal of this set, which compares and contrasts two animals that are related but vastly different in size. Shifts from big animal to small are sometimes abrupt, with no clear visual separation. Depth of information varies: an opening chapter includes three pages on wild boars but just a brief paragraph on teacup pigs. Photographs are clear and sometimes very effective, as in opposing views of python and garter snake mouths. Such useful visual comparisons aren't plentiful, though, and the lack of scale lessens the impact of the size differences in facing views of two compared animals. Fairly vague descriptions, ineffective analogies, and some needlessly repeated information prevent the books from reaching the potential of the intriguing big/small concept, though lack of other books on some featured animals, notably pygmy mice and teacup pigs, may warrant purchase.