(3) 4-6 Some animals have evolved features that make them appear to be other animals, plants, or rocks; others use sound or behavior to mimic different species. Detailed explanations of the benefits of each characteristic are accompanied by descriptions of scientific research being done on specific creatures. Well-captioned color photographs portray the animals both in their environments and in laboratory settings. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) 4-6 Peacock mantis shrimp punching octopuses into retreat, hagfish suffocating sharks with slime, and fulmar chicks projectile vomiting up to six feet to destroy the waterproofing of their predators' feathers are but a few of the remarkable animal defense mechanisms introduced in this book. Though some of the photographs are unfocused, Johnson's descriptions of these amazing creatures are fascinating. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin

(3) YA The resurgence of life in the decades following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster has surprised scientists with its rapidity and diversity. Johnson clearly recounts the horrific event, then features scientists who study birds, rodents, and insects to understand how life has adapted to radioactive--and people-free--conditions. Fascinating photographs of Chernobyl and its inhabitants then and now illustrate scientific practices. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Energetic text generates excitement about some of nature's unusual parasitic phenomena. A fungus that "enslaves" houseflies, a "body snatcher" attacking carpenter ants, the rabies virus, and more are described in horror-movie language to engage and thrill readers. The scientific information is accurate; photo close-ups of infected animals and gruesome-looking splatters underscore what the author calls the "deliciously creepy." Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) YA Scientific Rivalries and Scandals series. Marsh and Cope, each determined to be seen as the greatest paleontologist, became bitter enemies in their race to discover and name prehistoric species. Hastily prepared papers, deception, and a public feud discredited their reputations as professionals and scientists, yet future paleontologists would benefit from the number of species they discovered. Archival photographs, sidebars, and diagrams extend the narrative but contribute to a cramped design. Reading list, timeline, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(4) 4-6 Searchlight Books: How Does Your Body Work? series. Simple chapters introduce the basics of these five human body systems: their structure, function, and how the various components interact. A few sentences on each page accompany largely generic, full-color photographs, photo-micrographs, and labeled diagrams. Text boxes are included on each spread but are mostly redundant. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these How Does Your Body Work? titles: Your Circulatory System, Your Muscular System, Your Nervous System, Your Skeletal System, and Your Respiratory System.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(3) 4-6 Drawing on findings from the decade-long Census of Marine Life, Johnson travels down into the ocean's depths, explaining living conditions in various zones and regions as well as the sophisticated technologies of data collection. Excellent color photographs showcase fascinating marine organisms and the scientists who found them. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) YA Discovery! series. This volume is a well-written, informative account of global warming. Johnson takes a historical perspective on the scientific evidence and explanatory models, then moves on to today's major issues (massive ice melting, ocean warming, and sea-level rise) and the potentially devastating impact of these rapid changes on life on earth. Excellent color photographs and diagrams accompany the text. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Microquests series. Illustrated by Jack Desrocher & Jennifer E. Fairman. At a steady pace, Johnson builds one scientific concept at a time using authentic terminology and connecting new information to familiar things (chromosomes are like "scrunched-up...clumps"). Full-color microscope images, drawings, and cartoons appear in a clean, uncluttered format, combining solid science with humor, which should appeal to the intended audience. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Microquests titles: Amazing DNA, Mighty Animal Cells, and Ultra-Organized Cell Systems.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) 4-6 Microquests series. Illustrated by Jack Desrocher & Jennifer E. Fairman. At a steady pace, Johnson builds one scientific concept at a time using authentic terminology and connecting new information to familiar things (chromosomes are like "scrunched-up...clumps"). Full-color microscope images, drawings, and cartoons appear in a clean, uncluttered format, combining solid science with humor, which should appeal to the intended audience. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Microquests titles: Amazing DNA, Mighty Animal Cells, and Ultra-Organized Cell Systems.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) 4-6 Microquests series. Illustrated by Jack Desrocher & Jennifer E. Fairman. At a steady pace, Johnson builds one scientific concept at a time using authentic terminology and connecting new information to familiar things (chromosomes are like "scrunched-up...clumps"). Full-color microscope images, drawings, and cartoons appear in a clean, uncluttered format, combining solid science with humor, which should appeal to the intended audience. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Microquests titles: Amazing DNA, Mighty Animal Cells, and Ultra-Organized Cell Systems.

Reviewer: Christina Dorr

(3) 4-6 Biomes of North America series. Illustrated by Phyllis V. Saroff. Readers tour each biome, learning about its vegetation and animal population. In a clear design, the accessible text and many color photographs follow an animal (blue heron, beaver, sea turtle, otter, alligator) in its habitat. Descriptions of the climate and information about other inhabitants are woven into the narrative--an effective tool to demonstrate the interactions among living things. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Biomes of North America titles: A Journey into a Lake, A Journey into a River, A Journey into a Wetland, A Journey into an Estuary, and A Journey into the Ocean.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(3) 4-6 Biomes of North America series. Illustrated by Phyllis V. Saroff. Readers tour each biome, learning about its vegetation and animal population. In a clear design, the accessible text and many color photographs follow an animal (blue heron, beaver, sea turtle, otter, alligator) in its habitat. Descriptions of the climate and information about other inhabitants are woven into the narrative--an effective tool to demonstrate the interactions among living things. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Biomes of North America titles: A Journey into a Lake, A Journey into a River, A Journey into a Wetland, A Journey into an Estuary, and A Journey into the Ocean.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) K-3 Early Bird Body Systems series. Using straightforward text, these accessible resources introduce the major body systems. Photos and illustrated diagrams complement the text, but some micrographs lack sufficient labels. Each book begins with a key-word preview that invites readers to be "word detectives" and concludes with tips for adults on reading with a child. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Early Bird Body Systems titles: The Skeletal System, The Respiratory System, The Digestive System, The Muscular System, The Nervous System, and The Circulatory System.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(3) 4-6 Biomes of North America series. Illustrated by Phyllis V. Saroff. Readers tour each biome, learning about its vegetation and animal population. In a clear design, the accessible text and many color photographs follow an animal (blue heron, beaver, sea turtle, otter, alligator) in its habitat. Descriptions of the climate and information about other inhabitants are woven into the narrative--an effective tool to demonstrate the interactions among living things. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Biomes of North America titles: A Journey into a Lake, A Journey into a River, A Journey into a Wetland, A Journey into an Estuary, and A Journey into the Ocean.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(3) 4-6 Biomes of North America series. Illustrated by Phyllis V. Saroff. Readers tour each biome, learning about its vegetation and animal population. In a clear design, the accessible text and many color photographs follow an animal (blue heron, beaver, sea turtle, otter, alligator) in its habitat. Descriptions of the climate and information about other inhabitants are woven into the narrative--an effective tool to demonstrate the interactions among living things. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Biomes of North America titles: A Journey into a Lake, A Journey into a River, A Journey into a Wetland, A Journey into an Estuary, and A Journey into the Ocean.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(3) 4-6 Biomes of North America series. Illustrated by Phyllis V. Saroff. Readers tour each biome, learning about its vegetation and animal population. In a clear design, the accessible text and many color photographs follow an animal (blue heron, beaver, sea turtle, otter, alligator) in its habitat. Descriptions of the climate and information about other inhabitants are woven into the narrative--an effective tool to demonstrate the interactions among living things. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Biomes of North America titles: A Journey into a Lake, A Journey into a River, A Journey into a Wetland, A Journey into an Estuary, and A Journey into the Ocean.

Reviewer: Hilary Breed Van Dusen

(4) K-3 Early Bird Body Systems series. Using straightforward text, these accessible resources introduce the major body systems. Photos and illustrated diagrams complement the text, but some micrographs lack sufficient labels. Each book begins with a key-word preview that invites readers to be "word detectives" and concludes with tips for adults on reading with a child. Reading list, websites. Bib., ind. Review covers these Early Bird Body Systems titles: The Skeletal System, The Respiratory System, The Digestive System, The Muscular System, The Nervous System, and The Circulatory System.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(4) 4-6 Biomes of North America series. Illustrated by Phyllis V. Saroff. The plants, animals, and climate of these four biomes are discussed in a text accompanied by attractive color photos and black-and-white spot illustrations. While questions posed to the reader ("Wait--hear that?") are somewhat distracting, the simple design and clearly written, informative text will appeal to readers who enjoy nature. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) 4-6 Biomes of North America series. Illustrated by Phyllis V. Saroff. The plants, animals, and climate of these four biomes are discussed in a text accompanied by attractive color photos and black-and-white spot illustrations. While questions posed to the reader ("Wait--hear that?") are somewhat distracting, the simple design and clearly written, informative text will appeal to readers who enjoy nature. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey