Knowledge Encyclopedia: Animal

Gr 5 Up—Produced in conjunction with the Smithsonian Museum, this oversize (and physically weighty) book covers a bevy of beasts. Sections include "Invertebrates," "Fish," "Amphibians," "Reptiles," "Birds," and "Mammals." Each section begins with a two-page introduction, outlining key features and intriguing traits of that animal class. Thanks to digital imaging, the photos almost leap off the page: a 20-inch mosquito that spans a spread, a scorpion poised to strike, an iridescent emerald tree boa, a peacock's plumage, and the bristly chin of a hippopotamus. About half of the volume is dedicated to mammals. A typical spread might spotlight a large picture of a single animal, surrounded by blocks of text and photos or drawings depicting internal organs, skeletal details, food sources, young animals, and perhaps other closely related animals (different types of parrots or bears, for example). Smaller illustrations of a human body, hand, or fingertip are shown next to many animals, offering a sense of actual scale. Most animals are identified by their common name and the Latin term, with their location included. This is a spellbinding selection for browsing or learning quick animal facts. A few images, mostly of predator/prey relationships, may disturb or raise questions from the youngest readers.