Animal Watching: The Definitive Interactive Nature Guide

Gr 4-7–In this field guide to North American wildlife, readers are encouraged to explore, observe, and record, with written notes and drawings in the book, the types of wildlife around them. There are sections within each chapter where readers can check off, write notes about, or sketch the animals they encounter. The book has a logical organization covering larger concepts first then explaining more specific concepts to help readers understand. There are clear and inviting color illustrations and the wildlife highlighted in the illustrations are identified for readers. Within each section are “What Would You Do?” scenarios, which challenge readers to think about their own responses to situations. Unfortunately, there are no recommendations within the scenarios for appropriate responses or cross-references to other sections in the title where readers can find ways to react to situations. The author presents readers with advice and safety disclaimers within the book, too; however, some of the observation recommendations can pose a risk for readers.