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71 pp.
| Houghton
| May, 2018
|
TradeISBN 978-0-544-63511-1$18.99
(2)
4-6
Scientists in the Field series.
Photographs by
Nic Bishop.
Montgomery and Bishop accompany zoologist Kay Holekamp and her team studying the behaviors of large clans of spotted hyenas in the Masai Mara National Reserve in Kenya. Montgomery tells much of the story moment by moment, providing a deeply detailed account of life in the field. Bishop's outstanding photographs do much to elevate the reputation of hyenas, often portrayed as "conniving, cowardly" scavengers. Bib., ind.
Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
July, 2018
281 pp.
| Carolrhoda
| April, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-5124-1022-8$16.99
|
EbookISBN 978-1-5124-2689-2
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
David Roberts.
In this sequel to The Bolds, the family of hyenas successfully impersonating humans in London finds itself overrun with animal guests who want to learn the hyenas' secrets. High jinks ensue as the Bolds groom the animals for their new lives. Packed with jokes throughout (also collected at the end for easy access), the antics are matched with illustrations that augment the story's humor.
(3)
K-3
African Animals series.
These books aimed at new readers introduce iconic African mammals in straightforward texts with a level-appropriate amount of information. Large, impressive color photos of the wild animals, which span across the gutter of the wide-horizontal-trim books, command attention. Each book's three appended facts expand on a part of the main text. Glos., ind. Review covers these African Animals titles: Hippopotamus, Hyena, Meerkat, Rhinoceros, Warthog, and Zebra.
(3)
4-6
Illustrated by
David Roberts.
After a newlywed couple is eaten by crocodiles while on safari, a pair of enterprising African hyenas finds their passports. Soon, the hyenas and their twin pups are living as the human Bold family outside London, trying to keep their secret from suspicious neighbor Mr. McNumpty (who may have his own secret). Jokes and riddles, as well as Roberts's cleverly incorporated illustrations, keep the narrative lively.
(3)
K-3
First Facts: Predator Profiles series.
Short chapters accompanied by large, pertinent color photos clearly explain the concepts of predator and prey. The text focuses on the hyena's hunting style, discussing the kinds of prey it seeks and the hyena's size, speed, physical attributes, defenses against counterattack, and strategy. Fact sidebars and same-page vocabulary definitions are helpful design elements. Reading list. Glos., ind.
208 pp.
| Disney/Hyperion
| July, 2016
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4847-1325-9$14.99
(3)
4-6
Monstertown Mystery series.
In Were-Hyena, when Carlos and Benny's favorite teacher starts acting strangely (growling, laughing uncontrollably, etc.), they recruit help from a local comic-store owner to stop Mr. Chu from turning into a were-hyena. In Mutant, things get weird again at Monterrosa Elementary when kids notice aggressive lunch ladies and large bugs in the cafeteria. The boys' genuine friendship shines through in these offbeat horror-lite stories. Review covers these Monstertown Mystery titles: The Curse of the Were-Hyena and Mutant Mantis Lunch Ladies!.
(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.
24 pp.
| Bearport
| September, 2016
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-944102-58-6$23.93
(3)
K-3
Zoo Clues 2 series.
In these books, each page contains a clue and a partial photograph made to look like a puzzle with pieces missing. As new photos are shown and more clues are given, the reader may start to guess what animal the book is about. A clever concept and concise language make this series highly appealing. A fact page and map are appended. Reading list. Ind. Review covers these Zoo Clues 2 titles: My Body Is Tough and Gray, My Tongue Is Long and Curves, My Ears Are Huge and Fuzzy, My Mane Is Short and Spiky, and My Whiskers Are Long and White.
24 pp.
| Child's
| January, 2016
|
LibraryISBN 978-1634074537$18.95
(4)
4-6
On the Hunt with Animal Predators series.
These slight books present basic information about large carnivores that prey on weaker animals. Characteristics of each species are recounted, including their habitats, social behaviors, food sources, and nurturing of offspring. The simply written narratives are interesting but may be inadequate for some report-driven readers. Large colorful photographs accompany the texts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these On the Hunt with Animal Predators titles: On the Hunt with Gray Wolves, On the Hunt with Grizzly Bears, On the Hunt with African Lions, and On the Hunt with Hyenas.
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
Jean Claude.
Having lost his laugh, former teaser Henry Hyena seeks the advice of giraffe Dr. Long, who wisely points out that Henry has simply come to realize that laughing at others is cruel and that he will find joy in laughing with--not at--others. Brightly colored illustrations of amiable zoo animals and singsongy rhymes provide a nonthreatening, if message-y, perspective on bullying.
24 pp.
| Bearport
| August, 2011
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-61772-278-3$22.61
(4)
K-3
Animal Loudmouths series.
These volumes cover standard topics including habitat, young, homes, and defense. Focus on animal sounds is not as strong as the series title would suggest (though the concluding "Sound Check" charts help by summarizing scientific findings about the meaning of the different sounds). Large labeled photos, informative fact boxes, and clean design help enliven the bland main texts. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Animal Loudmouths titles: Coyote, Hippo, Howler Monkey, Humpback Whale, and Hyena.
24 pp.
| Heinemann
| January, 2011
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4329-4732-3$22.00
(4)
K-3
Day in the Life: Grassland Animals series.
Spilsbury provides a glimpse into the daily life of hyenas. Information is presented in an accessible way, with large-type text, a useful map, and colorful photos. The facts are selective, but the leveled-reader volume could be used as a broad introduction to the behaviors and natural environment of this creature that most children won't see outside of a zoo. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
48 pp.
| Harcourt
| September, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-15-204668-2$16.00
(3)
K-3
Pinduli is a young female hyena whose identifying characteristics bring on rude comments from other East African savanna animals. The story sags under the weight of its message once the animals reveal they made fun of Pinduli because they themselves had been hurt by similar taunts. Still, it's worth making it through to the informative back matter. Cannon's illustrations are both expressive and faithful to nature.
32 pp.
| Viking
| September, 1999
|
TradeISBN 0-670-87894-4$$14.99
(4)
K-3
Illustrated by
John Butler.
Maya and her brother are left alone in the den while their mother searches for water. When Maya's curiosity brings her face to face with a hungry hyena, the maturing cub manages to fend it off. Despite the imposing of human emotions on the tigers, the story is brought to life by softly realistic paintings that, in places, are rendered with such meticulous detail that some animals seem almost tangible.