(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters series. After a somewhat lurid introduction, eight brief chapters provide overviews of the featured lizard's appearance, behavior, diet, habitat, and reproductive cycle as well as threats to its survival. High-quality stock photos accompany the accessible texts. Despite their sensationalized titles and pulp fiction–style design, the books actually address the misunderstood animals' "monstrous" reputations and advocate for their conservation. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters titles: Gila Monster and Komodo Dragon.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters series. After a somewhat lurid introduction, eight brief chapters provide overviews of the featured lizard's appearance, behavior, diet, habitat, and reproductive cycle as well as threats to its survival. High-quality stock photos accompany the accessible texts. Despite their sensationalized titles and pulp fiction–style design, the books actually address the misunderstood animals' "monstrous" reputations and advocate for their conservation. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters titles: Gila Monster and Komodo Dragon.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters series. After a somewhat lurid introduction, brief chapters provide overviews of the featured mammal's appearance, behavior, diet, habitat, and reproductive cycle as well as threats to its survival. High-quality stock photos accompany the accessible texts. Despite their sensationalized titles and pulp fiction–style design, the books actually address the misunderstood animals' "monstrous" reputations and advocate for their conservation. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters titles: Tasmanian Devil and Spotted Hyena.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters series. A strong, sturdy fighter, the rhinoceros beetle is the "superstar" of this high-interest nonfiction-series title. Did you know that rhinoceros beetles' horn shapes vary depending on their diet when young? Each spread has a bold title, simple text, and engaging photos to focus information about this amazing insect for early readers. A short comprehension quiz is provided at the end. Glos.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters series. After a somewhat lurid introduction, brief chapters provide overviews of the featured mammal's appearance, behavior, diet, habitat, and reproductive cycle as well as threats to its survival. High-quality stock photos accompany the accessible texts. Despite their sensationalized titles and pulp fiction–style design, the books actually address the misunderstood animals' "monstrous" reputations and advocate for their conservation. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters titles: Tasmanian Devil and Spotted Hyena.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(3) 4-6 Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters series. After a somewhat lurid introduction, eight or nine brief chapters provide overviews of each invertebrate's appearance, behavior, diet, habitat, and reproductive cycle as well as threats to its survival. High-quality stock photos (for the elusive squid, illustrations) accompany accessible texts. Despite sensationalized titles and pulp fiction–style design, the books actually address the misunderstood animals' "monstrous" reputations and advocate for their conservation. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters titles: Giant Centipede and Giant Squid.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher