(3) K-3 Photographs by Thomas D. Mangelsen. This introduction to North America's black, grizzly, and polar bears features excellent photographs that, though uncaptioned, illustrate the book effectively. The text is segmented into "The Bear Facts," which offer straight information about the subject, and other sections that expand on the information, such as the danger posed to bears by loss of habitat. An author's note is appended. Reading list, websites. Ind.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 Photographs by Thomas D. Mangelsen. Seven types of large predators--the title animals, killer whales, polar bears, cougars, and cheetahs--are described in brief chapters that explore their habits and habitats. The text also focuses on endangerment and the many ways in which the animals are affected by humans. Hirschi ends with a list of websites for wildlife conservation organizations. Vivid nature photographs support the text. Ind.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Kirsten Carlson. Hirschi shows that seasons change in the ocean, too, as plants such as kelp and animals from humpback whales to zooplankton grow and develop throughout the year. The fluid prose too often sacrifices clarity in favor of literary devices. Realistic paintings illustrate the text. Reproducible "Food Web Cards" are included, and further expository text is appended.

Reviewer: Elizabeth Shaver

(3) 4-6 Animals Animals series. Combining color photographs, diagrams, and an accessible text, each of the books in this series provides a solid introduction to an animal. The short chapters include information about habitat, physiology, daily life, and threats from humans. The easy-to-read typeface will encourage reluctant readers. Lists of suggested reading, videos, and websites are appended. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Animals Animals titles: Leopards, Wolves, Dolphins, Seals, and Gorillas.]

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) 4-6 Animals Animals series. Combining color photographs, diagrams, and an accessible text, each of the books in this series provides a solid introduction to an animal. The short chapters include information about habitat, physiology, daily life, and threats from humans. The easy-to-read typeface will encourage reluctant readers. Lists of suggested reading, videos, and websites are appended. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Animals Animals titles: Leopards, Wolves, Dolphins, Seals, and Gorillas.]

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo

(3) 4-6 Carolrhoda Nature Watch series. The fascinating text and brilliantly colored photographs exert a strong pull on the reader as the author describes the habitats, feeding forays, defense mechanisms, and the life cycle of these mollusks. The last chapter describes the interaction between people and octopuses, their use as food, their presence in aquariums, and the state of research on these still mysterious animals. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) 4-6 Carolrhoda Nature Watch series. Clearly written text and well-labeled color photos portray the physiology, behavior, and life cycle of five types of Pacific salmon found in North America. Hirschi discusses migration, predators, and threats to natural habitats due to development, logging, pollution, and dams, as well as drawbacks to programs such as fish ladders and breeding and releasing hatchery salmon. Glos., ind.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Photographs by Thomas D. Mangelsen. More evocative than informative, these books describe the moments just before dusk and just after dawn, when some animals are most active. Numerous vivid, high-quality color photographs, accompanied by a florid text, depict the kinds of animals that come out to hunt and feed or seek shelter. An afterword provides additional insight into why animals are so busy at these transitional times.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli

(4) K-3 Photographs by Thomas D. Mangelsen. More evocative than informative, these books describe the moments just before dusk and just after dawn, when some animals are most active. Numerous vivid, high-quality color photographs, accompanied by a florid text, depict the kinds of animals that come out to hunt and feed or seek shelter. An afterword provides additional insight into why animals are so busy at these transitional times.

Reviewer: Emma Loy-Santelli