(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. Pringle's comprehensive treatment of dolphin species and behaviors provides in-depth yet understandable explanations of behaviors such as echolocation, dolphin communication, and the animals' social natures. The illustrations are tightly aligned with the text, portraying active scenes that feature the behaviors described, diagramming dolphin anatomy--inside and out--and presenting multiple species on a page to allow for comparisons. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. The prolific Strange and Wonderful team here introduce another ubiquitous and misunderstood creature. Sizes, colors, body and head shapes, and eye configurations help differentiate them, but all spiders have eight legs, produce web silk, and have venom to catch prey. Species of spiders are described in Pringle's lucid text and realistically depicted in Henderson's well-labeled, finely detailed art. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. Pringle's informative discussion includes how owls' physical adaptations of size and shape are linked to habitat and food requirements. The well-documented text covers human fascination with these predators--found everywhere except Antarctica--throughout history. The detailed watercolor and pencil illustrations show owls in flight and include close-up views of feathers, bones, and other anatomical features. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. Thorough descriptions present scientific information about these mollusks, including impressive facts about their versatile bodies and "smart" behaviors (e.g., shooting a decoy cloud of octopus-shaped ink to fool predators) along with the basics about physiology, reproduction, and habitat. Henderson's illustrations feature a colorful range of octopus species, deftly conveying their amazing beauty, flexibility, and motion. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: March, 2015

(3) 4-6 History's All-Stars series. Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. Originally published in the Childhood of Famous Americans series, this fictionalized biography is reissued under a new series name. Focusing on Robinson's childhood, the narrative takes readers through the athlete's induction into baseball's Hall of Fame and doesn't shy away from the racism he encountered. Supported by black-and-white illustrations, the accessible text offers an engaging account of this civil rights icon's formative years. Timeline. Bib.

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(4) 4-6 History's All-Stars series. Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. Originally in the Childhood of Famous Americans series, these biographies are otherwise unchanged. Focusing on events in each figure's childhood, the congenial narratives read smoothly, with natural-sounding invented dialogue. Font size and leading are generous, creating an inviting reading environment. Each chapter includes a black-and-white illustration; the art is dated-looking in King. Parks appends an un-updated reading list. Review covers these History's All-Stars titles: Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King, Jr..

Reviewer: Amy Lois Cohn

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. Pringle cuts through misconceptions about scorpions with no-nonsense factual information. Scorpion range and habitats, hunting and feeding behaviors, and reproduction are explored. Pringle also provides explanations of scorpion body structures, including the mesmerizing, stinger-tipped tail. Numerous delicate, detailed paintings of scorpions include field guide–like illustrations of single specimens as well as portrayals of the scorpions interacting with other animals. Websites. Bib.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: January, 2014

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. In a well-organized, accurate, and conversational text, Pringle classifies these diverse amphibians without jargon and explains features common to most, such as jumping ability, excellent eyesight, foot structure, tongue capabilities, and mating and nurturing practices. He concludes with discussion about threats to their survival. Henderson's complementary illustrations feature detailed animals and impressionistic backgrounds.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. Pringle, after first distinguishing largely harmless cicadas from destructive locusts, lucidly explains the anatomy, life cycle, and various capabilities of the creatures (both the annual and periodical varieties). The information is interesting and accurate, delivered with an engaging, borderline-affectionate tone. Thoughtful visuals, including detailed, field guide–like watercolor illustrations, enhance the text. Bib.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. This book accessibly presents solid scientific information, from a short introductory narrative about baby alligators hatching and cheeping ("erk, erk, erk") to extensive data about crocodilians in general. Pringle offers facts about crocodiles, alligators, caimans, and gharials' similarities and differences in size, behavior, and habitat in an engaging, friendly manner. Henderson's detailed, realistic-looking watercolors complement the text.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(2) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. There's a fascination with penguins lately; in the midst of this comes Pringle's refreshing, detailed account of penguin species--all of them, not just the one or two that typically come to mind. The clear text helps readers notice the details in Henderson's field guide–like illustrations. The book ends on a warning note about the effects of human-created pollution on penguin populations. Websites.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2007

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. This book covers how snakes see, smell, reproduce, and kill and consume prey larger than themselves. Realistic watercolors depict snakes in their intriguingly adaptive forms, colors, and shapes. Along with the clear text, the illustrations draw attention to the variety of snake movement: up trees, over hot sand, in water, and even through the air. This is a useful and engaging resource.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. A narrative linked with context-rich art shows whales' magnificence in their natural habitats and encourages conservation in an endnote. The scientific rationale for whale appreciation is demonstrated in the unfolding discussion of their relative sizes, varieties, feeding and breeding habits, migrations, and social behavior. Directory.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. Pringle abridges the collective journals from the Corps of Discovery, allowing Meriwether Lewis's dog, Seaman, limited exposure and permitting himself only minor fictionalizations. Though the design is rather cluttered, photos of wildlife and original journal entries add interest, as do sidebars that expand on the written material. The static pencil drawings illustrate specific scenes but provide little extension for the text. Bib., ind.

Reviewer: Betty Carter | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2002

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. Basic information about sharks--including physical characteristics, feeding habits, and their role in the chain of ocean life--is presented in clear, accessible prose. The acrylic paintings serve as a veritable catalog showcasing the variety of known sharks, with each type that is pictured labeled with its name and maximum length.

Reviewer: Peter D. Sieruta

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. This simple, clear book describes several species of bats, their habitats, feeding habits, and physiology. Emphasizing bats' benefits to humans and the environment, Pringle encourages readers to protect these flying mammals. Realistic watercolor illustrations highlight the more unusual facial features of a number of bat species. An author's note offers additional information.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Meryl Henderson. Thirty-eight uneven free verse poems give voice to a boy's experience growing up in the country. The subjects of the poems include baseball, flirting, fisticuffs, lost pets, and riding horses, but the most successful and thoughtful ones express the boy's deep affinity for nature. Three of the poems are written for two voices. The black-and-white pencil drawings on each page are decorative rather than interpretive.

Reviewer: Carolyn Shute