(3) 4-6 How Nature Works series. The Galápagos Islands are home to marine iguanas that, like no other iguana species, swim and feed in the ocean. Collard's story of how this came to be is an explanation of island biogeology, evolution, and natural selection in the locale that inspired Darwin. Crisp, detailed photographs of the animals, along with sidebars that provide deeper explanations of evolutionary biology, are included. Reading list. Glos.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Collard's lighthearted, witty text and stunning close-up photos explore the woodpeckers of North and South America. The volume covers diet, habitat, family structures, communication, and danger to woodpeckers from human behavior such as habitat destruction. "Photo bloopers" at the end will increase the reader's appreciation for the excellent photos in the rest of the book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Janet Dawson

(4) 4-6 This overview of insects has solid information, interesting facts, logical organization, and excellent photos, most by the author. However, the jokey tone and lame slang (e.g., Collard urges "shouting 'righteous exoskeleton, dude!' next time you pass an insect on the street") won't be for everyone. A useful survey for readers with a tolerance for cheesy humor. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Grace Worcester Greene

(3) 4-6 How Nature Works series. Well designed and illustrated with captivating photos, this volume introduces animals that glide, including rodents, frogs, lizards, and snakes. Most live in forests and gliding helps them move from tree to tree without descending to the ground. The engaging text includes the evolution and adaptations of gliders and a discussion of gliding vs. flying and gliding vs. parachuting. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Grace Worcester Greene

(3) 4-6 They Don't Belong: Tracking Invasive Species series. This series explores how species can be inadvertently introduced into a balanced ecosystem and how the subsequent non-native overpopulation causes environmental destruction. Brown tree snakes devour native animal species in Guam; Burmese pythons do the same in Florida's Everglades; in Australia, it's cane toads. Brief, accessible texts are supported by lots of crisp photographs on every page. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these They Don't Belong titles: Florida's Burmese Pythons, Guam's Brown Tree Snakes, and Australia's Cane Toads.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 A clear and fascinating description of the work of wildlife biologist Scott Mills as he and colleagues study the worrisome effects of climate change on snowshoe hares, which depend on seasonal coat color changes for survival. Abundant and informative color photos, sidebars, graphs, and maps lend immediacy to the account. Ideas for reducing our carbon footprint are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan

(3) 4-6 Beginning with a brief report lamenting wildfire danger and damage, Collard devotes the rest of the book to a contemporary, enlightened view of such fires, with specific birds as the main beneficiary of the resulting food and shelter. Salvage logging also receives thoughtful treatment as an economic boon but an ecological bust. Colorful nature photos illustrate the account. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) YA Two years after Double Edge, Kyle invites Mike on a road trip to visit his sister. When Kyle steals her away from their abusive uncle, the trio embarks on a westward quest to find a priceless silver dollar that could solve their problems. A rushed pace and forced resolution detract from the book's cross-country-road-trip hook and its rich 1970s setting.

Reviewer: Randy Ribay

(3) 4-6 Serious information, colloquial language, and superb photographs characterize this book. Though his tone borders on jokey ("Meet Joe Lizard"), Collard's respect and affection for these saurians shine through as he presents subjects such as anatomy, behavior, and physiology--and cautions against lizards as pets. Captions and sidebars extend the text and photos in a clean design. Reading list. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) 4-6 This standard-issue, old-fashioned adventure story takes place in 1973 on an island off the Alabama coast. While searching for missing Confederate gold coins one summer, two boys find an unexpected friendship. The story is filled with expected character types (kindly old man with secrets, sneering bad guys, cute but unattainable girl). Details about the Civil War add interest.

Reviewer: Cyrisse Jaffee

(2) 4-6 Scientists in the Field series. Collard profiles scientists battling two invaders causing ecological devastation: red imported fire ants in Texas and Florida's Melaleuca tree. The clear and helpful photographs show the scientists working in field and laboratory settings, as well as the featured plants and animals. Collard includes steps readers can take to help fight invasive species and a call for more public funding to fight invaders. Websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2009

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Andrew Plant. Well-researched chapters tell of the now-extinct creatures (ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, mosasaurs) that populated the ancient seas during the Mesozoic era. Their characteristics, habitats, and diets, as revealed by fossilized remains, are discussed, and possible explanations for their extinction are posited. Though ponderous, the text is full of facts for budding paleontologists. Acrylic gouache illustrations and pencil drawings enhance the book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Robin Brickman. These books explore the vast variety of animal wings and teeth, from the familiar (e.g., sharks) to more obscure (tuataras). A simple narrative in larger print runs atop the pages while more sophisticated paragraphs are below, potentially broadening the books' appeal. Wings stands out with detailed watercolor and cut-paper collages, while Teeth has more traditional field guide–like illustrations. Reading list, websites. Glos. Review covers these titles: Teeth and Wings[cf1.