(4) 4-6 This well-organized package presents what and how fifteen kinds of animals (birds, amphibians, mammals, etc.) eat. Though selective, the text gives consistent information for each example, including habitat and eating technique. Brilliant color photographs attract the eye, and catchy headings ("Munching marsupials") enliven the content. There are unfortunate copyediting errors in this otherwise attractive, thorough book. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 Short rhyming poems chock-full of relevant information explore the mouths and homes of several kinds of animals. Crisp photographs of various dwellings and wide-open mouths illustrate the features and add interest; the design is uncluttered and balanced. Some of the poems are more adorable than educational, but not enough to detract from the overall effectiveness of these titles. Ind. Review covers these titles: Open Wide! and Step Inside!.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) K-3 Short rhyming poems chock-full of relevant information explore the mouths and homes of several kinds of animals. Crisp photographs of various dwellings and wide-open mouths illustrate the features and add interest; the design is uncluttered and balanced. Some of the poems are more adorable than educational, but not enough to detract from the overall effectiveness of these titles. Ind. Review covers these titles: Open Wide! and Step Inside!.

Reviewer: Lauren Chambers

(3) 4-6 Colorful photographs of eggs and the animals that lay them are found in sections focusing on what types of animals lay eggs, variations in eggs' physical properties and protective structures, and behaviors exhibited around eggs to ensure survival. A "Gross or Cool?" section highlights egg oddities. The show-and-tell format includes a few rather random facts per animal example. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) K-3 Conversational text supported by photographs and sidebars introduces the diverse types and purposes of animal tails, from defense and protection to communication and mobility; animals are grouped according to how their tails support survival. Suggested activities add an element of fun. The last section further explores how animals communicate via their tails. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) 4-6 Fielding examines for readers the eyes of various animals, including cats, elephants, lemurs, and chameleons, emphasizing differences in function and the role of vision in survival. Color photographs taken at close range provide detailed images. Additional facts and thoughtful experiments are found in the margins, and an eye-to-animal matching exercise ends the book. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(4) K-3 Colorful photos of animals fighting or sleeping engage readers. Every page has its own background color, its own tag ("Seal Naps"), and an associated word ("Dreaming?"). Each animal also has its own poem, but the verse can be awkward and it sometimes personifies the animals ("Do you think they [giraffes] might cry?"). Photos of additional animals fighting or sleeping end the books. Ind. Review covers these titles: Animal Fights and Animal Naps.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Colorful photos of animals fighting or sleeping engage readers. Every page has its own background color, its own tag ("Seal Naps"), and an associated word ("Dreaming?"). Each animal also has its own poem, but the verse can be awkward and it sometimes personifies the animals ("Do you think they [giraffes] might cry?"). Photos of additional animals fighting or sleeping end the books. Ind. Review covers these titles: Animal Fights and Animal Naps.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 A lighthearted poem begins the book and forms the organizational basis for this appealing volume. Double-page spreads of well-crafted prose follow, each focusing on a line of poetry (for example, "Hiding on a tree outside" sets up a section on juniper hairstreak and other caterpillars specializing in camouflage). Numerous colorful photos, carefully labeled, decorate the pages. Back matter includes a quiz and matching game. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian