See Me Grow

K-Gr 2—This volume in the most elementary group of the three-level "Discover More" series introduces emergent readers to birth and development in the animal world. In no particular order, chapter spreads depict hatchlings or newborns, early stages, and adult specimens of selected (and identified) types of nonhuman creatures from frogs and honeybees to puppies and fish. Printed on heavy coated stock, the color photos are particularly bright and sharp. The accompanying captions and commentary are written in simple, usually single, sentences, in one of four different sizes or weights of type. As with each volume in the series, a code provides access to a downloadable ebook supplement (for Mac or PC) that extends the presentation with additional information (such as a look at "metamorphosis"), video and sound clips, and quizzes and games. Though the language is not as precise as it might be-live born don't really grow in their mothers' "tummies," cocoons are associated more with moths than with butterflies, and the Monarch butterfly is posed opposite a caterpillar that is either atypically patterned or belongs to another species—the concept is presented in a memorable, visually attractive way. And, the ebook is a definite enhancement.—John Peters, Children's Literature Consutant, New York City