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(3)
4-6
Photographs by
Annie Crawley.
Zoos today don't only house exotic animals for people's entertainment. Going behind the scenes at different zoos, Newman introduces three dedicated scientists whose research and conservation work with orangutans, black-footed ferrets, and black rhinos, respectively, help each endangered species survive and thrive. Their fascinating scientific studies are described in conversational text and illustrated with photos from the field. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.
(4)
1-3
Sylvie Scruggs series.
Illustrated by
Charles Santoso.
In this older chapter book, nine-year-old Sylvie is determined to stop her BFF, Miranda Tan, from becoming friends with new boy Georgie Diaz before Miranda's birthday party. But Sylvie's plan is built on lies. Themes of friendship and honesty are strong, though Sylvie's self-torment is often unnecessary and unbelievable. Black-and-white illustrations bring the multiethnic neighborhood to life.
(4)
1-3
Shelter Pet Squad series.
Illustrated by
Erin McGuire.
Seven-year-old Suzannah wants to find Merlin the ferret the perfect home, but as Maplewood Animal Shelter's youngest volunteer, she cannot read the ferret-care book or attend a pet-adoption event on her own. Suzannah has spunk, and McGuire's halftone illustrations capture characters' emotions. Unfortunately, the narrative sometimes reads as a vehicle for pet-care information. Ferret facts and activities are appended.
32 pp.
| Amazon/Two Lions
| May, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4778-2631-7$17.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Paul Rátz de Tagyos.
While on vacation with their owner, ferret Einstein escapes the cage to explore the Arizona desert; protesting, fellow ferret Fudge reluctantly joins him. They devour juicy cactus fruit, but a hungry rattlesnake has them hastily retreating back to their cage. As in Ferret Fun, clean ink and marker cartoon-panel art and humorous dialogue-bubble exchanges highlight Fudge's cautious nature and Einstein's bold behavior.
48 pp.
| Enslow/Elementary
| January, 2013
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-4082-3$23.93
(4)
K-3
American Humane Association Pet Care series.
Well-organized information follows through on these books' titles, from a brief history of the animals as pets to picking the right type or breed, caring for it, and preventing problems. The tone is encouraging, though appropriate cautions are included. Colorful captioned photos illustrate text that is clear but not very deep; occasional vague statements are eventually clarified. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these titles: Choosing a Bird, Choosing a Cat, Choosing a Dog[c1], Choosing a Fish, Choosing a Hamster, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Ferret, Mouse, or Rat, and Choosing a Horse.
(4)
K-3
Looking Glass Library: I Wish I Were... series.
Illustrated by
Gabhor Utomo.
Subdued illustrations show children imagining life as the title mammals. Although they think of lots of up-sides, they realize they'd miss things about their own habits (e.g., having friends, playing). The texts are in rhyme, which makes the incorporation of facts a stretch in places. Glos. Review covers these Looking Glass Library: I Wish I Were... titles: I Wish I Were a Furry Ferret, I Wish I Were a Howler Monkey, and I Wish I Were a Humpback Whale.
32 pp.
| Cavendish
| March, 2011
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-5817-3$17.99
(3)
K-3
Illustrated by
Paul Rátz de Tagyos.
House-pet ferrets Fudge and Einstein nervously welcome visiting cat, Marvel, into their home. When Marvel mistakes them for rats ("I love tasty...rats"), the two must show her who's boss in order to save their necks. Fudge and Einstein's humorous exchanges with each other and with Marvel will entertain readers. Clean-lined marker and ink cartoon-panel illustrations add to the liveliness.
48 pp.
| Enslow/Elementary
| February, 2011
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-3683-3$23.93
(4)
K-3
Far-Out and Unusual Pets series.
This series touches on how to live with and care for oddball pets. The volumes are enhanced by many photographs and some humorous cartoon illustrations. The authors try hard to invigorate the texts with kid-friendly language ("A potbellied pig is a really cool pet"); it's sometimes a strain. "Far Out!" sidebars give more information. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Far-Out and Unusual Pets titles: Ferrets, Hairless Cats, Hermit Crabs, Hissing Cockroaches, Iguanas, and Potbellied Pigs.
(2)
K-3
Illustrated by
Sophie Blackall.
Though Edwin's just a baby, he's the one who notices the car keys in his brother's shoe, his mother's purse on top of the car, etc. He tries to tell Mom--"Figbutton noo noo POCKY BOOKY froppin ROOF"--but all she hears is babbling. Blackall's delicately lined illustrations, in Chinese ink, watercolor, and gouache, feature a lively family of (elegantly garbed) ferrets.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2011
137 pp.
| Cavendish
| March, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-7614-5650-6$15.99
(4)
4-6
Emma and her family are spending the summer in Maine. Against her parents' orders, Emma sneaks along one of her beloved ferrets. She also interferes with the neighbors' land-clearing plan by refusing to leave her favorite tree. The nanny is less of a character here, and the plot elements are too neatly resolved, even for this lighthearted series, but fans won't mind.
24 pp.
| Bearport
| August, 2009
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59716-860-1$22.61
(4)
K-3
Peculiar Pets series.
These accessible, if content-light, texts include personal anecdotes, trivia (e.g., "Some potbellied pigs can be taught to paint"), and recommendations for successful pet/owner relationships. Each volume includes an "at a glance" section with facts about physical characteristics, life span, and "personality traits." The many vivid photographs will catch pet-lovers' attention. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Peculiar Pets titles: Furry Ferrets, Green Iguanas, Miniature Horses, and Potbellied Pigs.
32 pp.
| Bearport
| August, 2007
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59716-506-8$25.27
(3)
K-3
America's Animal Comebacks series.
Using glossy close-up photographs and accessible text, these books offer readers a clear chronicle of the animals' struggles and successes. Authors clearly outline the threats and what humans have done to help (after, in many cases, causing the problem). Readers studying conservation will gain valuable information. Statistics and facts about other endangered animals are appended. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these America's Animal Comebacks titles: Black-Footed Ferrets, American Bison, Florida Panthers, Florida Manatees, Gray Wolves, Grizzly Bears, and Southern Sea Otters.
227 pp.
| Houghton/Lorraine
| May, 2007
|
TradeISBN 978-0-618-80632-4$16.00
(2)
4-6
While on a sightseeing tour, fourteen-year-old Will falls into the Mississippi and finds himself stranded on an island inhabited by giant ferrets and a reclusive author who's training the ferrets to be eco-terrorists. Throughout, Jennings treats readers to eccentric characters, multiple coincidences, and outrageous wordplay. The story was first published serially in the Kansas City Star.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
May, 2007
32 pp.
| Gareth
| March, 2002
|
LibraryISBN 0-8368-3016-4$$21.26
(4)
K-3
101 Facts about Pets series.
The "facts" in these volumes include histories of the animals, breeds and colorings, and care and enjoyment of the animals, set up in numbered paragraphs and illustrated with color photos that often demonstrate the texts' points. The numbered arrangement creates a haphazard text flow with choppy transitions, but overall the series provides enough information to get young pet lovers started. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these 101 Facts about Pets titles: 101 Facts about Goldfish, 101 Facts about Hamsters, 101 Facts about Horses and Ponies, 101 Facts about Parakeets, 101 Facts about Terrarium Pets, 101 Facts about Ferrets.]
48 pp.
| Heinemann
| October, 2002
|
LibraryISBN 1-40340-281-7$$24.22
(3)
4-6
Keeping Unusual Pets series.
Each of the books in this series contains plenty of accessible information about caring for one of these animals--including tips on choosing the healthiest pet, feeding and handling, preventing illness, and dealing with death--with the focus on the responsibility of pet owners. The well-designed volumes feature photographs, text boxes, and eye-catching graphics. Directory, reading list. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Keeping Unusual Pets titles: Chinchillas, Geckos, Snakes, Ferrets, and Rats.]
32 pp.
| Dutton
| September, 2000
|
TradeISBN 0-525-46467-0$$15.99
(4)
K-3
A cool cat named Mac wonders what would happen if he strapped a piece of buttered toast to his back and leapt from a great height. Would he land right-side up on his paws, or upside down? With help from his ferret friend and a scheme involving a crane, some mattresses, and a crash helmet, Mac intends to find out. The story is less appealing than the computer-manipulated illustrations--multiple photos are combined to create striking images.
64 pp.
| Lerner
| August, 2000
|
LibraryISBN 0-8225-2264-0$$22.60
(3)
4-6
All about Pets series.
Photographs by
Andy King.
The first-person narration is engaging and natural-sounding in these books that describe a young person's quest for a pet. Each book emphasizes the importance of researching the type of pet you want and carefully describes the responsibility, cost, and time commitment involved in pet ownership. Captioned color photographs are clear and informative. Bib., glos., ind.