April 1, 2011
Gr 2-4-Large color photos of animals in natural settings and clear, cogent presentations of information combine to boost this series well above the average for both assignments and casual browsing. Along with covering such uncommon topics as bioluminescence and transparency, the volumes offer introductions to creatures beyond the usual suspects. Glow-in-the-Dark Animals features not only fireflies, glowworms, and anglerfish, but also South American railroad worms and cucujo beetles, and Electric Animals includes the platypus and great white sharks, which both have electroreceptors. Though the closing resource lists include both old entries and ones that are not age-appropriate, these titles will strengthen animal collections.
Copyright 2011 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
April 1, 2011
Grades 1-4 Creatures that make their own light are inherently fascinating, and this nicely crafted book in the Animals with Superpowers series will take readers beyond the glow of fireflies, introducing such bioluminescent animals as the cucujo beetle from South America. Ranging in size from dinoflagellates (which cannot be seen with the naked eye) to deep-sea jellyfish, the nine creatures showcased in this short overview are fascinating and far ranging. Each two-page spread features large text with key terms in bold, colorful photographs of the animal in its environment, and inset text boxes offering additional trivia. Key terms are listed in the glossary, and ease of use is promoted through a table of contents and an index. A short reading list is also provided for further research. Other titles in the four-book series focus on animals that change color, translucent creatures, and animals that carry an electric charge.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)
July 1, 2011
This series focuses on creatures with unexpected "super powers." Some of the powers, such as using electricity to find prey, seem more "super" than others (e.g., having a transparent appearance). All of the traits--and how animals use them to their advantage--are explained using accessible text. Some explanations are less than thorough and might leave readers wanting more information. Vibrant photographs are included. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.
(Copyright 2011 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)