Mammals (True Books)

This entry in the ever-reliable True Book line covers its topic in detail and offers thought-provoking questions and ideas. An opening comparison of bats, orcas, and platypuses asks, Do these animals have anything in common? And do they have anything in common with you? The book goes on to describe mammalian physical characteristics, habitats, behaviors, food, life cycles, and means of communication. Species extinction is introduced. Squire also presents both sides of the controversy over wolves in Yellowstone National Park as a case study in conservation issues. The narrative is accompanied by plenty of big, bright color photos, as well as easy-to-absorb charts and fact summaries. A link at the conclusion leads to a generous set of online resources on the publisher’s site. Aside from one claim that platypuses are found only in Australia (they are also found in zoos worldwide) and another that mammals are essential to life on Earth, the information here is accurate, concise, and—a real plus—presented in ways likely to stimulate discussion. Grades 3-5. --John Peters

Gr 2-5-These comprehensive titles are expertly written. Readers are initially asked two true or false questions and are directed to find the answers in the book. Answers are given in the back. The font is large, and sentences are relatively short. Maps and lifecycle diagrams are included among the images. A "True Statistics" section at the end of every volume sums up interesting facts. For example, readers learn that the saltwater crocodile is the world's heaviest reptile, and that the Goliath frog is the largest frog. Threats to the animals' survival are mentioned in a section called "The Big Truth." For example, in Birds, students learn that oil spills are devastating to seabirds. The books are loaded with big, colorful, and captioned photographs. Sound choices for report writing and pleasure reading. α(c) Copyright 2013. Library Journal. LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.