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Holland, Mary
7 Reviews
(4)
K-3
Close-up photographs add interest to the story of Otis the owlet, which includes basic information about owls for young bird enthusiasts. Questions that punctuate the text ("What do you think he decides to do?") disrupt the narrative's flow, and squeamish readers may balk at photographs showing owls with dead voles sticking out of their beaks. Additional facts and a matching activity are appended. Also available in Spanish. Bib.
Reviewer: Russell Perry
(4)
K-3
In easy-to-read text, this book superficially explores different types and purposes of tails on wild animals. Large color photographs sometimes awkwardly bleed across the gutter, and the book's formatting lacks section definition, leading to a relentless flow of information. Further information on "Tail Adaptations" and matching activities are appended. Also available in Spanish.
Reviewer: Kristine Caldwell
(4)
K-3
In a somewhat too-lengthy text, Holland presents a very basic overview of the functions of the legs and feet of moles, frogs, caterpillars, and nine other fairly common creatures. Large color photographs sometimes awkwardly bleed across the gutter and aren't always crisp (e.g., the legs on the backswimmer are indistinct). Further information and matching activities are appended. Bib.
Reviewer: Nancy Sheridan
(4)
K-3
Close-up photographs accompany this discussion of a variety of animals' mouths. Different types of teeth, beaks, and mandibles are featured along with explanations of how each mouth and its unique components are best suited for each animal. Simple (but overly long in places) text makes this suitable for beginning nature enthusiasts. Back matter provides review and encourages further exploration. Glos.
Reviewer: Russell Perry
(4)
K-3
This overview superficially covers placement, size, structure, and other features of different animals' eyes, providing a simple introduction to the subject. The full-bleed double-page photographs are clear but get lost in the gutter. "Fun facts," a detailed four-word glossary, and a matching game conclude the book. Steve Jenkins's Eye to Eye is a more useful, attractive offering.
Reviewer: Kitty Flynn
(4)
K-3
Illustrated with full-double-spread color photographs (some unfortunately hampered by the gutter), this is a lively exploration of beaver life. Holland reveals a wealth of information about these animals and the ways in which they are well-adapted to their unusual lives: e.g., their "see-through eyelids that serve as goggles" and hind-foot toenails used to "remove splinters from between their teeth." Denser additional information is appended.
Reviewer: Miriam Lang Budin
(4)
K-3
This book chronicles the development of a red fox from birth through the first few months of life. Close-up color photographs illustrate how fox kits interact with their mother, their littermates, and their environment. Some clumsy writing and a dull design weaken the presentation slightly. Back matter nicely expands on the information; readers are pointed to the publisher's website for cross-curricular activities.
Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo
7 reviews
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