(3) K-3 Illustrated by Margherita Borin. Many kinds of frogs and toads at all life stages are realistically illustrated in watercolor, marker pens, and pencil with a level of detail that should attract nature lovers. Geared to mid-elementary-age readers, the engaging text (in various-size type) emphasizes an appreciation for the diversity of these amphibians and the importance of conservation. Back matter suggests how kids can help "save frogs." Ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 From temporary leafy nests for chimpanzees to giant long-lasting reefs for corals; from lofty termite towers to deep badger burrows, all animals need some kind of a home. Appealing watercolor, gouache, and pen-and-ink illustrations, including some cross-sections of the dwellings, clearly show the animals and their shelters. The text, while informative, is set in distractingly wavy paragraph blocks.

Reviewer: Patricia Riley

(3) K-3 Nicely balancing accuracy and accessibility, Kelly presents well-chosen information about dozens of birds' nesting habits and materials, from a blue-footed booby covering an egg with her feet to masked weavers constructing hanging nests from shredded leaves. The friendly page design includes wavy lines of hand-lettered-looking text and simple, clear illustrations. A world map at the end shows distribution.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) K-3 Hand-lettered text that flutters across each page describes the amazing saga of butterflies. Their general life cycle is outlined; individual differences (camouflage, numbers of eggs laid) for various species are also addressed. A compare/contrast section on butterflies and moths is included. The text concludes with information on planting a butterfly garden and a page of "amazing but true" facts.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: July, 2007

(4) K-3 Owney, happiest sleeping on a mailbag, loves to travel along as the mail is taken by train across the country. Based loosely on the true story of a dog during the 1890s, Owney's traveling experiences are chronicled in fictional letters from postal clerks and newspaper reporters. Appealing illustrations illustrate the bland text.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 From spring mating to winter migration, this book profiles a year in the life of the busy ruby-throated hummingbird. It's packed with enjoyable facts--"You could mail 60 [hummingbird] eggs with one postage stamp!"--but the text, printed in wavy lines and sometimes vertically, can be hard to read. Sketchlike color images of the birds and their environments convey their constant motion, sometimes at the expense of key details.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl