Beagle

Gr 1–3—In the first two spreads, readers hear directly from the dogs themselves, with each canine describing its personality and its needs (e.g., lots of exercise, plenty of attention, etc.). After that, the simple text changes to a standard nonfiction narrative detailing the breed's development, training needs, and any special requirements to keep it healthy. Every title has a diagram of the dog's physical characteristics and concludes with a brief index and glossary. This solid set stresses the importance of responsible pet ownership, noting that it's often a long-term commitment. The accessible information will appeal to report writers while the color photos of the animals in action will lure in dog lovers. For those in need of more in-depth information, Lerner's "The Best Dogs Ever" series (2010) covers some of the same breeds but for a slightly older audience.