Library Media Connection - Kathleen McBroom
This series on sea animals will appeal to emerging readers in early elementary grades. Each book profiles one species. Engaging features include attractive covers, straightforward sentences in large font, and brief chapters that align with national science standards. Chapter headings pose questions to create a purpose for reading. Technical vocabulary terms appear in bold print and are defined in the glossary. The biggest draw is the illustrations. Half-page color photos aligned with text appear on every page, and each selection includes an animal body map highlighting physical features. Of equal interest to researchers and browsers, these titles should prove popular. Bibliography. Glossary. Websites. Index. –Kathleen McBroom, Media Specialist, Dearborn (Michigan) Public Schools <i> Library Media Connection</i> March/April 2011
November 14, 2011School Library Journal - John Peters
These nautical profiles pair well-chosen color photos-such as a view of a Pacific giant octopus with a diver next to it for scale and an unusual close-up of the inside of a leatherback turtles mouth showing the spines that prevent jellyfish from escaping-with one or two sentences of simply worded commentary for each. Though each volume includes references to several varieties of the chosen creature, one species in particular is highlighted; Weddell seals in Seal, for instance, and Great Whites in Shark. An awkwardly phrased claim that jellyfish "squeeze their body tight and push out the water to make them move" aside, all of these make good choices for pleasure or purpose reading. –John Peters, formerly at New York Public Library <i>School Library Journal</i> November 2010
November 14, 2011
