Thorny Devil Lizards and Other Extreme Reptile Adaptations

Gr 3–5—From a giraffe's tongue to the dung beetle's diet, the animal characteristics highlighted here are sure to draw interest. Chapters group the creatures by common size, behavior, or habitat, a logical approach that will help readers keep track of the parade of odd and amusing facts covering more than 20 animals per book. The writing is lively and engaging, with a consistent focus on the ways in which adaptations are essential for survival. Most of the high-quality photos directly hone in on featured adaptations, such as the tail of the saltwater crocodile and the camel's double rows of eyelashes. Several animals in Thorny Devil Lizards and Mudskippers are described without accompanying images, so the more consistent visual support in the other two titles is preferable. Three "Critical Thinking" suggestions at the end provide workable but unexciting lead-ins to Common Core aspects. Attractive, adequate offerings.