Tales of Famous Animals

Gr 3–5—Seventeen animals inhabit the colorful pages of this book. Ranging from Alexander the Great's mighty horse, Bucephalus; to Pelorus Jack, a Risso's dolphin long loved in New Zealand; to a veritable menagerie in Teddy Roosevelt's White House, these animals both amuse and inspire. The accessible stories are arranged chronologically and are graced with quotes and colorful, slightly caricaturistic illustrations. Reading about Balto leading the dog team through bitter blizzards to take diphtheria serum from Anchorage to Nome, Seabiscuit pounding down the racetrack to become champion of champions, and the origin of "Teddy's Bear" puts history in a new light and may promote further investigation. Bibliographical sources are given for all the featured creatures except Jumbo the Elephant. (One update: Lonesome George, last known Galápagos Pinta Island tortoise, is no longer looking for love in any and all places. He died in June 2012, after this book had gone to press.) The subject matter is enticing, the text simple in its construction. Appealing fare in a classroom collection, or as a highly browsable item.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY