Any elementary school librarian can tell you that trying to keep books in the 590s in reasonable order is a herculean task. However, that’s not a negative. Children in this age range devour books about animals. The reviews below should present librarians with the best kind of quandary: which ones to choose?

Preschool-Grade 4

CONNORS , Kathleen. Chameleons. ISBN 978-1-4339-8359-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-8362-7. LC 2012018916. ––––. Geckos. ISBN 978-1-4339-8364-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-8367-2. LC 2012019130. ––––. Gila Monsters. ISBN 978-1-4339-8369-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-8372-6. LC 2012021878. ––––. Iguanas. maps. ISBN 978-1-4339-8374-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-8377-1. LC 2012022906. ––––. Komodo Dragons. ISBN 978-1-4339-8379-5; ISBN 978-1-4339-8382-5. LC 2012031290. ––––. Snapping Turtles. ISBN 978-1-4339-8384-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-8387-0. LC 2012031286. ea vol: 24p. (Really Wild Reptiles Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Gareth Stevens. 2013. PLB $22.60; ebook $22.60. Gr 2-4–Outstanding large, color photos are the draw for this series. In particular, the images in Chameleons have a definite “wow” factor. These brilliantly colored reptiles leap from the pages with their rainbow hues. The images, however, are not for the squeamish: in Komodo Dragons, the reptile is shown devouring no-longer-recognizable prey, and a photo in Gila Monsters shows a furry creature being consumed. That aside, the close-up of a nocturnal gecko’s eye or the charming photo of romantic iguanas will mesmerize children. The solid texts are equally good. Each volume begins with an introduction, followed by sections on body parts, survival tactics, habitats, diets, life cycles, and more. “What a Wild Life!” text boxes deliver additional facts (e.g., “Gila monster venom doesn’t hurt other Gila monsters”). These high-interest introductions will  delight for report writers and browsers.

DIXON , Dougal. Dinosaurs Dominate. ISBN 978-1-84898-628-2. LC 2012002749. ––––. Huge Hunters Roam the Earth: Ancient Mammals. ISBN 978-1-84898-624-4. ––––. Reptiles Rule: Triassic Life. ISBN 978-1-84898-629-9. ––––. Saber Tooths Are the Big Cats: Ice Age. ISBN 978-1-84898-627-5. ––––. Sea Creatures Crawl on Land: Early Life. ISBN 978-1-84898-626-8. ––––. T. rex Is King: Cretaceous Life. ISBN 978-1-84898-625-1. ea vol: 32p. (Awesome Ancient Animals Series). chron. glossary. illus. index. maps. photos. New Forest. 2013. PLB $28.50. Gr 2-5 –Prolific author Dixon does not disappoint here. These titles follow the evolution of animals from the early Paleozoic era to the Ice Age. Each book begins with an introduction that provides context for what is to come, as well as a colorful, illustrated time line. The spreads that follow share the same format: a paragraph set off in a text box that succinctly describes the animal under discussion, a vivid illustration (drawn from various photo archives, such as the Natural History Museum, London, etc.), a sidebar titled “Animal Fact File,” two small paragraphs with additional factoids (“Sometimes Mammoths became buried in mud when they sank into a peat bog.”), and a photo of fossils and/or skeletons. The “Animal Family Glossary” in each book provides students with opportunities to compare groups (Ornithopods, Thyreophorans, etc.). Even collections in which ancient animals are well represented will want to add these attractive books, which will service both report writers and dinophiles.

DRUMLIN , Sam. Dolphins. ISBN 978-1-4488-9641-7; ISBN 978-1-4488-9880-0. LC 2012020315. ––––. Harp Seals. ISBN 978-1-4488-9646-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-9885-5. LC 2012024548. ––––. Manatees. ISBN 978-1-4488-9644-8; ISBN 978-1-4488-9883-1. LC 2012022770. ––––. Orcas. ISBN 978-1-4488-9645-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-9884-8. LC 2012023594. ––––. Sea Otters. ISBN 978-1-4488-9643-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-9882-4. LC 2012022556. ––––. Walruses. ISBN 978-1-4488-9642-4; ISBN 978-1-4488-9881-7. LC 2012021116 . ea vol: 24p. (PowerKids Readers: Sea Friends Series). glossary. index. photos. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2013. PLB $22.60; ebook $22.60. PreS-K–Each book contains one simple declarative sentence per spread that is placed opposite a full-page, color photograph. Minimal information is conveyed, and there is oversimplification that could result in confusion. For example, in Walruses, statements such as “Walruses are big!” give young readers no context. And the sentence “Females are cows” might leave some thinking that the author means dairy cows. Orcas states that “They eat many foods” without giving any examples or pictures of the creature’s prey. These generalizations are problematic as is the fact that the photos don’t always coincide with the text. For example, in Walruses, readers learn that “Clams are their top food.” But no clams are in sight in the accompanying image. The “Words to Know” sections contain pictures, but no text definitions. All in all, there is not enough substance here to hold the attention of the intended audience.

DUNN , Mary R. Pygmy Marmosets. ISBN 978-1-62065-107-0. LC 2012024131. ––––. Spider Monkeys. ISBN 978-1-62065-104-9. LC 2012026446. ––––. Tamarin Monkeys. ISBN 978-1-62065-105-6. LC 2012023415. MCCARTHY , Cecilia Pinto. Baboons. ISBN 978-1-62065-109-4. LC 2012026444. ––––. Capuchin Monkeys. ISBN 978-1-62065-108-7. LC 2012026445. ––––. Mandrill Monkeys. ISBN 978-1-62065-106-3. LC 2012024130. ea vol: 24p. (Pebble Plus: Monkeys Series). diags. further reading. glossary. index. maps. photos. websites. Capstone. 2013. PLB $24.65. K-Gr 2 –While these books are brief (fewer than half of the pages contain text), they are still solid means by which the youngest researchers can learn to navigate nonfiction. The simple sentence structure and vocabulary are perfect for emergent readers, but content is not sacrificed because of the economic language (e.g., “Pygmy marmosets care for their babies. They carry newborns on their backs.”). Students will learn about various monkeys’ physical appearances, how they find food, their family units, and how they function in groups. In addition to the main text, the verso of each spread includes maps indicating where an animal makes its home or diagrams comparing the featured monkey’s size to humans. The remarkable, large, color photographs, which correspond closely to the texts, feature monkeys in their habitats and will draw in browsers and animal-lovers alike. The “Read More” suggestions are current and the suggested websites offer projects and games as well as portals to more information. The series is a strong choice for introducing children to research and nonfiction book features.

JEFFREY , Laura S. Choosing a Cat: How to Choose and Care for a Cat. ISBN 978-0-7660-4079-3. ––––. Choosing a Dog: How to Choose and Care for a Dog. ISBN 978-0-7660-4080-9. ––––. Choosing a Fish: How to Choose and Care for a Fish. ISBN 978-0-7660-4081-6. ––––. Choosing a Hamster, Gerbil, Guinea Pig, Rabbit, Ferret, Mouse, or Rat: How to Choose and Care for a Small Mammal. ISBN 978-0-7660-4082-3. ––––. Choosing a Horse: How to Choose and Care for a Horse. ISBN 978-0-7660-4083-0. ea vol: 48p. (The American Humane Association Pet Care Series Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Enslow Elementary. 2013. PLB $23.93. Gr 2-4 –The American Humane Association does wonderful work, protecting defenseless animals, working to control the pet population, and helping to place unwanted critters in good homes. Unfortunately, this series is so agenda driven that its appeal to children is minimal. Readers looking forward to owning a pet will find a small list of “dos” and a massive list of “don’ts,” some of which have nothing to do with the targeted age range. Horse has the most egregious flaws, with such statements as “Be careful of horse auctions, bargains in the classified ads, and overeager horse dealers.”  “Pet Pointer” and “Fast Fact” text boxes provide helpful tidbits. While there are  “Words to Know” sections, glossary words are not highlighted within the texts. The numerous captioned, color and black-and-white photos may draw in browsers and animal lovers, but however well-intentioned these books are, they’re not what pet sections need.

LLANAS , Sheila Griffin. Armadillos. ISBN 978-1-61783-567-4; ISBN 978-1-61480-714-8. LC 2012946533. ––––. Bald Eagles. ISBN 978-1-61783-568-1; ISBN 978-1-61480-715-5. LC 2012946541. ––––. Buffaloes. ISBN 978-1-61783-569-8; ISBN 978-1-61480-716-2. LC 2012946540. ––––. Coyotes. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61783-570-4; ISBN 978-1-61480-717-9. LC 2012946537. ––––. Gray Wolves. ISBN 978-1-61783-571-1; ISBN 978-1-61480-718-6. LC 2012946817. ––––. Grizzly Bears. ISBN 978-1-61783-572-8; ISBN 978-1-61480-719-3. LC 2012946799. ea vol: 32p. (Animal Icons Series). glossary. index. maps. photos. websites. ABDO. 2013. PLB $27.07; ebook $27.07. Gr 2-4 –This well-organized series features animals that have become cultural symbols in America. After a brief introduction, the chapters proceed in logical order, discussing the animal’s history, body specifics, (“Plate to Plate” in Armadillos, “Beak to Talons” in Bald Eagles, etc.), behavior, life cycle, eating habits, and expectations for future survival. Each volume includes a chapter that explains why the featured creature is considered iconic; myths and stories about it are also infused throughout the lively texts. Glossary words are in bold font. Additional information is provided by way of “Icon Extras” text boxes; clear, color photographs (most of them captioned), maps, etc. abound. A single complaint would be that while the books include a link to a regularly updated website, there are no suggestions for further reading. Positive additions for most collections.

LYNETTE , Rachel. Capybaras. ISBN 978-1-61772-753-5; ISBN 978-1-61772-802-0. LC 2012039854. ––––. Giant River Otters. ISBN 978-1-61772-754-2; ISBN 978-1-61772-803-7. LC 2012039856. ––––. Jaguars. ISBN 978-1-61772-755-9; ISBN 978-1-61772-804-4. LC 2012039858 . ––––. Kinkajous. ISBN 978-1-61772-752-8; ISBN 978-1-61772-801-3. LC 2012039857. ––––. Pink River Dolphins. ISBN 978-1-61772-758-0; ISBN 978-1-61772-807-5. LC 2012039860. ––––. South American Tapirs. ISBN 978-1-61772-759-7; ISBN 978-1-61772-808-2. LC 2012039864. ––––. Squirrel Monkeys. ISBN 978-1-61772-757-3; ISBN 978-1-61772-806-8. LC 2012039855. ––––. Three-Toed Sloths. ISBN 978-1-61772-756-6; ISBN 978-1-61772-805-1. LC 2012039867. ea vol: 24p. (Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rainforest Series). diags. further reading. glossary. index. maps. photos. websites. Bearport. 2013. PLB $21.32; ebook $21.32. PreS-Gr 2 –These slim books are packed with well-organized information about some of the more unusual jungle babies and could serve as models of informational books for this audience. The vocabulary is simple but still manages to pack a punch, with important words in bold defined by both word and picture in the glossary. The photography is sharp and clearly labeled. Sidebars include maps, diagrams that indicate comparative size, and magnifications of a particular animal’s unique features. In addition to a table of contents and an index, there are “read more” and “learn more online” features in the back matter.  Although too small to be used for actual classroom instruction, these titles will attract browsers and will be appreciated by fledgling report writers.

MURRAY, Julie. Giant Pandas. ISBN 978-1-61783-552-0; ISBN 978-1-61480-691-2. LC 2012023976. ––––. Gibbons. ISBN 978-1-61783-554-4; ISBN 978-1-61480-692-9. LC 2012030979. ––––. Komodo Dragons. ISBN 978-1-61783-555-1; ISBN 978-1-61480-693-6. LC 2012030859. ––––. Orangutans. ISBN 978-1-61783-556-8; ISBN 978-1-61480-694-3. LC 2012023974. ––––. Sloth Bears. ISBN 978-1-61783-557-5; ISBN 978-1-61480-695-0. LC 2012023975. ––––. Tigers. ISBN 978-1-61783-558-2; ISBN 978-1-61480-696-7. LC 2012030917. ea vol: 32p. (Big Buddy Books: Asian Animals Series). maps. photos. glossary. index. websites. ABDO. 2013. PLB $28.50; ebook $28.50. Gr 2-4 –This well-designed set is a commendable introduction to six Asian animals–both familiar, such as tigers, and lesser-known, such as sloth bears. Each book starts off with a general introduction to Asia (which includes a spread that highlights geographical and cultural facts about the continent) and the subject animal. Chapters cover physical attributes, diets, habits, young, and more. Each book closes with information about the creature’s survival. “Take a Closer Look” sections are written in a particularly lively style. Sidebars highlight unusual or interesting facts (e.g., “Giant pandas sometimes eat grasses, fruits, birds, rodents, or dead animals.”), but do not interfere with the focus of the main text. Captioned color photos illustrate each spread. Back matter includes a page of additional facts.

SPILSBURY , Richard & Louise Spilsbury . Ant Colonies. ISBN 978-1-4777-0302-1; ISBN 978-1-4777-0372-4. LC 2012026320. ––––. Chimpanzee Troops. ISBN 978-1-4777-0303-8; ISBN 978-1-4777-0373-1. LC 2012019586. ––––. Dog Packs. ISBN 978-1-4777-0304-5; ISBN 978-1-4777-0374-8. LC 2012026321. ––––. Dolphin and Whale Pods. ISBN 978-1-4777-0305-2; ISBN 978-1-4777-0375-5. LC 2012022326. ––––. Lion Prides. ISBN 978-1-4777-0306-9; ISBN 978-1-4777-0376-2. LC 2012022324. ––––. Wolf Packs. ISBN 978-1-4777-0307-6; ISBN 978-1-4777-0377-9. LC 2012026319. ea vol: 32p. (Animal Armies Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2013. PLB $25.25; ebook $25.25. Gr 2-4 –These deceptively slim volumes are packed with information that will be a boon to report writers, attractive to browsers, and fill that high interest/low vocabulary need. The conversational style and lively descriptions of the sophisticated behaviors of these cooperative animal groups should have readers requesting the entire series. The single spread chapters cover the main points in an introductory paragraph, followed by a paragraph in a different colored font that elaborates on them. Sidebars contain interesting facts, such as “Some ants can make living bridges with their bodies” and “Coyotes are great hunters because the can chase prey quickly.” A shortcoming would be that occasionally the color photographs are blurry and sometimes not specifically labeled. The “Further Readings” section at the back of each title suggests current books, and the website section refers to a frequently updated site. Glossary words (“tactics,” “reserves,” “echolocation,” etc.) are in a bold font throughout the texts.

TURNBULL , Stephanie. Alligator. ISBN 978-1-59920-831-2. LC 2012004110. ––––. Eagle. ISBN 978-1-59920-832-9. LC 2012004111. ––––. Elephant. ISBN 978-1-59920-833-6. LC 2012004112. ––––. Giraffe. ISBN 978-1-59920-834-3. LC 2012004113. ––––. Gorilla. ISBN 978-1-59920-835-0. LC 2012004114. ––––. Polar Bear. ISBN 978-1-59920-836-7. LC 2012004115. ––––. Tiger. ISBN 978-1-59920-837-4. LC 2012004116. ––––. Whale. illus. ISBN 978-1-59920-838-1. LC 2012004117. ea vol: 24p. (Big Beasts Series). glossary. index. photos. websites. Smart Apple. 2013. PLB $25.65. K-Gr 2 –This series is mix of positives and negatives. On the plus side, the books are informative, not badly organized, and have reasonably decent photographs that include close-ups and action shots. On the negative, Turnbull seems to have a penchant for avoiding the use of numbers, which could prove confusing for readers. The animals’ sizes are often described with odd comparisons. For example, “The biggest alligators weigh about the same as a racehorse.” This is an interesting fact, but does nothing to inform students, who probably have no idea how much a racehorse itself weighs. Though these titles contain plenty of facts about these creatures, the sometimes-graphic descriptions and depictions of how they attack and devour their prey might be disturbing to the targeted readership. For example, one photo shows polar bear cubs covered in blood, and another features a tiger tucking into a bloody carcass. In each volume, the glossary includes only three or four words, the index is negligible, and the single website listed is ephemeral.

Grades 5 & Up

CLAYBOURNE, Anna. Dolphins. ISBN 978-1-4329-7061-1; ISBN 978-1-4329-7068-0. LC 2012013333. ––––. Humpback Whales. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4329-7062-8; ISBN 978-1-4329-7069-7. LC 2012013336. SPILSBURY , Louise. Sea Otters. ISBN 978-1-4329-7065-9; ISBN 978-1-4329-7072-7. LC 2012013346. ––––. Walruses. ISBN 978-1-4329-7066-6; ISBN 978-1-4329-7073-4. LC 2012013348. THROP , Claire. Orcas. ISBN 978-1-4329-7063-5; ISBN 978-1-4329-7070-3. LC 2012013339. ––––. Seals. ISBN 978-1-4329-7064-2; ISBN 978-1-4329-7071-0. LC 2012013344. ea vol: 48p. (Living in the Wild: Sea Mammals Series). charts. diags. further reading. glossary. index. maps. photos. websites. Heinemann. 2013. PLB $31.43; pap. $8.99. Gr 4-6–This series contains so much information about sea mammals that it could easily be titled “Everything you wanted to know about…” All of the books follow the same logical progression, beginning with definitions of what sea mammals are as well as the specific animal to be discussed, followed by information about habitat, diet, life cycle, behavior, and intelligence. Final spreads cover threats to the species, ways people can help, and predictions for the creatures’ futures. These sections would be excellent prompts for class discussions. The titles are replete with charts, maps, diagrams, and captioned color photos, which all complement and expand the main text. Informative sidebars contain fascinating facts, such as “Scientists studying walruses have discovered that females will adopt calves that lose their real mother,” and brief profiles of scientists. Nicely designed and organized with a lively, conversational style and well-researched text, this set will be a first purchase for most collections.

The majority of these series would be serviceable additions to most collections. Of particular note for children in preschool through grade two is Bearport’s “Jungle Babies of the Amazon Rainforest,” while Gareth Stevens’s “Really Wild Reptiles” is a strong selection for slightly older readers. If budget constraints and curriculum requirements demand that priorities be set, the focus of each series might be a deciding factor. For example, the core information in PowerKids’s “Animal Armies” is about how creatures function in groups, while ABDO’s “Animal Icons” centers on the place of symbolic animals in American culture. Need more dinosaur books? You can’t go wrong with New Forest’s “Awesome Ancient Animals.”