Books about animals remain extremely popular for younger students. The titles reviewed here are perfect for casual readers and many are great for research. All are heavily and wonderfully illustrated, and from cover to cover, the designs are attractive and inviting. Each set contains language appropriately aimed at burgeoning and developing readers. Most have nonfiction elements, such as indexes and glossaries, and aim to meet the Common Core State Standards. There are no duds in the bunch.

Preschool-Grade 4

BODDEN, Valerie. Caring for Horses. ISBN 978-1-60818-470-5. LC 2012049911.

––––. Riding Horses. ISBN 978-1-60818-471-2. LC 2012049912.

––––. Showing Horses. ISBN 978-1-60818-472-9. LC 2012049915.

––––. Training Horses. ISBN 978-1-60818-473-6. LC 2012049916.

ea vol: 24p. (Horsing Around Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Creative Education. 2013. lib. ed. $25.65.

K-Gr 4–Brief texts offer plenty of information to help novices understand how to show, ride, train, and care for horses. On each chapter spread, one page of text faces a large, bright, color photograph. The dark brown font is large and rests on a light tan background. Sentences are short and clear, and words in a brightly colored font are defined in a “Horse Dictionary.” Text boxes and photo captions clarify concepts and offer information without interfering with the flow of the text. Though “What to Wear” sections advise riders to wear helmets, one image in Showing features a girl riding without one. These fine titles should appeal to the youngest animal lovers.

CLARK, Katie. Animal Actors. ISBN 978-1-61772-897-6; ISBN 978-1-61772-940-9. LC 2013011500.

––––. Police Horses. ISBN 978-1-61772-896-9; ISBN 978-1-61772-943-0. LC 2013011509.

VANVOORST, Jenny Fretland. Homing Pigeons. ISBN 978-1-61772-900-3; ISBN 978-1-61772-941-6. LC 2013011059.

––––. Pig Detectives. ISBN 978-1-61772-899-0; ISBN 978-1-61772-942-3. LC 2013011053.

––––. Seeing-Eye Dogs. ISBN 978-1-61772-894-5; ISBN 978-1-61772-944-7. LC 2013008477.

––––. Therapy Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits. ISBN 978-1-61772-895-2; ISBN 978-1-61772-945-4. LC 2013008326.

ea vol: 24p. (We Work! Animals with Jobs Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Bearport. 2013. lib. ed. $21.32; ebk. $21.32.

K-Gr 3–Brief texts and clear, short sentences make these titles accessible to emerging readers. Facts about the animals’ particular skills, physical attributes, and training are included. The audience is introduced to the likes of Jake the truffle-sniffing pig, Ace the homing pigeon, Buster the police horse, and Rex the acting dog. Large, colorful photos, many of them action shots, add interest. Words that might be new to readers are set off in bold font and defined in a picture glossary. However, some words seem unnecessary, as when “blind” is defined in Seeing-Eye Dogs. Informative captions clarify pictures and concepts without breaking up the texts. These are solid choices for browsers and beginning report writers.

CLAYBOURNE, Anna. Octopuses. ISBN 978-1-4109-5240-0; ISBN 978-1-4109-5247-9.

––––. Orcas. ISBN 978-1-4109-5239-4; ISBN 978-1-4109-5246-2.

––––. Rats. cip. ISBN 978-1-4109-5241-7; ISBN 978-1-4109-5248-6.

GUILLAIN, Charlotte. Bats. ISBN 978-1-4109-5236-3; ISBN 978-1-4109-5243-1.

––––. Dogs. ISBN 978-1-4109-5237-0; ISBN 978-1-4109-5244-8.

––––. Elephants. ISBN 978-1-4109-5238-7; ISBN 978-1-4109-5245-5.

ea vol: 32p. (Animal Abilities Series). diag. further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. websites. Raintree. 2013. lib. ed. $29; pap. $7.99.

Gr 3-5–The animals featured in this series don’t just have abilities: they have superpowers. For example, orcas use their tails to zoom at speeds of more than 30 miles per hour. Rats use their tails to balance along rooftops. And octopuses have nifty color-changing skills. Readers are invited to imagine how they would use these abilities. The texts move along at a fast clip, dispensing all sorts of interesting facts, such as that elephants and orcas form matriarchal societies, and scientists think some dogs can count from one to five. The facts are backed up with explanations of how scientists find out their information. For example, researchers used magnets to discover that magnetite in bats’ bodies works with the Earth’s magnetic field to guide them. A few words will be a challenge for the intended audience (“barbastelle bats,” “pheromones,” “echolocation,” etc.). Captioned photos, diagrams, text boxes, and charts help to keep the texts engaging. Solid choices for beginning researchers.

GARDNER, Jane P. African Wild Dogs. ISBN 978-1-61772-932-4; ISBN 978-1-61772-970-6. LC 2013011507.

––––. Fennec Foxes. ISBN 978-1-61772-925-6; ISBN 978-1-61772-973-7. LC 2013008957.

––––. Gray Foxes. ISBN 978-1-61772-931-7; ISBN 978-1-61772-974-4. LC 2013008958.

––––. Jackals. ISBN 978-1-61772-929-4; ISBN 978-1-61772-976-8. LC 2013011043.

MEINKING, Mary. Dingoes. ISBN 978-1-61772-930-0; ISBN 978-1-61772-972-0. LC 2013008956.

––––. Gray Wolves. ISBN 978-1-61772-926-3; ISBN 978-1-61772-975-1. LC 2013008959.

STROTHER, Ruth. Coyotes. ISBN 978-1-61772-928-7; ISBN 978-1-61772-971-3. LC 2013004890.

––––. Red Foxes. ISBN 978-1-61772-927-0; ISBN 978-1-61772-977-5. LC 2013011046.

ea vol: 24p. (Wild Canine Pups Series). diag. further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. websites. Bearport. 2013. lib. ed. $21.32; ebk. $21.32.

K-Gr 3–The lives of eight wild canines–from birth to adulthood–are introduced in these accessible titles. The texts are comprised of short sentences set in a large font. While most of the young ones are adorable, only the fennec foxes retain their endearing quality through maturity. In contrast, adult African wild dogs, dingoes, and jackals can be scary looking. Bright color photos, many full-spread, dominate the pages. Some shots border on graphic. For example, one photo shows a coyote parent carrying a dead rabbit and another presents an African wild dog with a bloody carcass in its mouth. Each volume offers a size comparison between the subject and a human adult and child and a map that shows where the species live. Side boxes enhance but do not interrupt the texts. Picture glossaries conclude every book. Perfect for beginning readers, novice report writers, and browsers.

GIBBS, Maddie. Clownfish. ISBN 978-1-4777-0757-9; ISBN 978-1-4777-1012-8. LC 2012045841.

––––. Goldfish. ISBN 978-1-4777-0758-6; ISBN 978-1-4777-1013-5. LC 2012051002.

––––. Jellyfish. ISBN 978-1-4777-0759-3; ISBN 978-1-4777-1014-2. LC 2012049069.

––––. Rays. ISBN 978-1-4777-0762-3; ISBN 978-1-4777-1065-4. LC 2013000205.

––––. Sea Horses. ISBN 978-1-4777-0761-6; ISBN 978-1-4777-1064-7. LC 2013001130.

––––. Sea Stars. ISBN 978-1-4777-0760-9; ISBN 978-1-4777-1015-9. LC 2013000206.

ea vol: 24p. (PowerKids Readers: Fun Fish Series). glossary. index. photos. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2013. lib. ed. $22.60; ebk. $22.60.

PreS-Gr 2–With about 10 short sentences each, these volumes contain solid information. For example, readers learn that a group of rays is called a fever; jellyfish and sea stars “are not true fish”; male sea horses give birth; all clownfish are born male; and the first goldfish were silver. On each spread, one or two sentences face a colorful, clear photo. Each book displays at least one human with the subject, which makes for good, visual size comparison. Half of the titles end with a similar sentence: “Sea Stars are cool!” (as are clownfish and rays). The three-word glossaries use photographs instead of language for definitions. The short indexes in every title are useful only for introducing youngsters to how to use one. Despite a printing flub in Sea Horses, these are basic and attractive introductions for beginning readers and prereaders.

HARASYMIW, Mark. Alligators Are Not Pets! ISBN 978-1-4339-9278-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-9281-0.

LINDE, Barbara. Coyotes and Wolves Are Not Pets! ISBN 978-1-4339-9293-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-9296-4.

––––. Snakes Are Not Pets! ISBN 978-1-4339-9298-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-9301-5.

MARZOLF, Julie S. Big Cats Are Not Pets! ISBN 978-1-4339-9273-5; ISBN 978-1-4339-9276-6.

NIVER, Heather Moore. Chimps and Monkeys Are Not Pets! ISBN 978-1-4339-9288-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-9291-9.

––––. Ostriches Are Not Pets! ISBN 978-1-4339-9283-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-9286-5.

ea vol: 32p. (When Pets Attack Series). chart. further reading. glossary. illus. index. map. photos. websites. Gareth Stevens. 2013. lib. ed. $26.60; ebk. $26.60.

Gr 3-5–These volumes address why certain animals make bad, and even dangerous, pets. For example, ostriches have a kick that can kill, and big cats have a taste for flesh, as do alligators. While some people keep snakes as pets, this is frowned upon by the U.S. Humane Society. The bottom line is that it’s safer (for both people and animals) to have these creatures housed in zoos; better yet, leave them in the wild. The readable texts are set amid large color photos and side boxes with additional facts. The captioned photographs (such as one of a chimp showing its sharp teeth and another of a growling wolf) add strength to the narratives. Readers interested in these wild critters will find a lot of useful facts in this series.

HEOS, Bridget. Do You Really Want a Bird? ISBN 978-1-60753-205-7; ISBN 978-1-60753-397-9. LC 2012035928.

––––. Do You Really Want a Cat? ISBN 978-1-60753-203-3; ISBN 978-1-60753-396-2. LC 2012035929.

––––. Do You Really Want a Dog? ISBN 978-1-60753-204-0; ISBN 978-1-60753-395-5. LC 2012035930.

––––. Do You Really Want a Hamster? ISBN 978-1-60753-206-4; ISBN 978-1-60753-398-6. LC 2012035932.

––––. Do You Really Want a Horse? ISBN 978-1-60753-207-1; ISBN 978-1-60753-399-3. LC 2012035933.

––––. Do You Really Want a Rabbit? ISBN 978-1-60753-208-8; ISBN 978-1-60753-400-6. LC 2012035937.

ea vol: illus. by Katya Longhi. 24p. (Do You Really Want a Pet? Series). further reading. websites. Amicus. 2013. lib. ed. $27.10; ebk. $27.10.

Gr 1-3–Humorous and lighthearted introductions to the pleasures and responsibilities of pet ownership, these volumes have two font sizes: the smaller one moves the text along while the larger one screams off the pages with questions and suppositions. Dialogue bubbles have the potential pets talking. “You’re my only friend, shoe. Can I call you Shoezanne?” bemoans a dog as it chews on a slipper. “I’m a little hoarse,” says a horse. At the end of each title, the animals are asked, “But do you really want a person?” The cat, dog, horse, rabbit, bird and hamster all do, of course. An appended quiz asks, “Is this the right pet for me?” Hilarious cartoon illustrations match up perfectly with the breezy texts. Solid care guides for very beginners.

HIBBERT, Clare. If You Were a Cat. ISBN 978-1-59920-959-3. LC 2013002949.

––––. If You Were a Dog. ISBN 978-1-59920-960-9. LC 2013002950.

––––. If You Were a Dolphin. ISBN 978-1-59920-961-6. LC 2013002951.

––––. If You Were a Horse. ISBN 978-1-59920-964-7. LC 2013002972.

––––. If You Were a Shark. ISBN 978-1-59920-962-3. LC 2013002970.

––––. If You Were a Snake. ISBN 978-1-59920-963-0. LC 2013002971.

ea vol: 32p. (If You Were a... Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. websites. Smart Apple. 2013. lib. ed. $28.50.

Gr 3-5–The texts in these titles are positioned almost entirely in different colored boxes, which might be attractive to some students but visually distracting to others. The boxes are set on large, color photographs. Question bubbles scattered throughout will get readers thinking. “Do snakes drink?” “How do sharks find their way?” “Do dolphins cry?” For the question, “Do all cats have fur?” a picture of the hairless Sphynx, which is discussed in the answer, would have been a helpful addition. Each topic is engaging and the information is plentiful. The language is clear and has a friendly tone, and the glossaries are extensive. The many photographs add a lot of interest. These are strong choices for report writers or for recreational reading.

HOLLAND, Gini. American Shorthairs. ISBN 978-1-4777-1277-1; ISBN 978-1-4777-1353-2. LC 2013003709.

––––. Ragdolls. ISBN 978-1-4777-1276-4; ISBN 978-1-4777-1352-5. LC 2013002106.

OWEN, Ruth. American Longhairs. ISBN 978-1-4777-1278-8; ISBN 978-1-4777-1354-9. LC 2013003362.

––––. Persians. ISBN 978-1-4777-1279-5; ISBN 978-1-4777-1355-6. LC 2013008134.

––––. Siamese. ISBN 978-1-4777-1280-1; ISBN 978-1-4777-1356-3. LC 2013006431.

––––. Sphynx. ISBN 978-1-4777-1281-8; ISBN 978-1-4777-1357-0. LC 2012047582.

ea vol: 32p. (Cats Are Cool Series). further reading. glossary. index. map. photos. reprods. websites. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2013. lib. ed. $25.25; ebk. $25.25.

Gr 2-4–In this set, the histories of six breeds of cats are covered, and fur coloring and body types are fully explained. The abundant color photographs tend to be adorable. For example, pictures show a hapless Persian kitten accepting its bath-time fate, a Siamese seeming to smile for the camera, and a sphinx cat posing like its ancient Egyptian counterpart. On each spread, the concise text rests on a softly hued background. “Perfect Purr Facts” text boxes add additional information. Some titles introduce a real feline in the final section. In Ragdolls, Matilda, who resides at the Algonquin Hotel in NYC, is profiled. In American Shorthairs, finicky Morris the Cat makes an appearance. Delightful for cat lovers and helpful for youngsters trying to decide which type of cat to pick for a potential pet.

KUSKOWSKI, Alex. Bunnies. ISBN 978-1-61783-835-4; ISBN 978-1-62401-236-5. LC 2012049660.

––––. Calves. ISBN 978-1-61783-836-1; ISBN 978-1-62401-237-2. LC 2012049661.

––––. Foals. ISBN 978-1-61783-837-8; ISBN 978-1-62401-238-9. LC 2012049662.

––––. Kittens. ISBN 978-1-61783-838-5; ISBN 978-1-62401-239-6. LC 2012049663.

––––. Piglets. ISBN 978-1-61783-839-2; ISBN 978-1-62401-240-2. LC 2012049956.

––––. Puppies. ISBN 978-1-61783-840-8; ISBN 978-1-62401-241-9. LC 2012049951.

ea vol: 24p. (Baby Animals Series). glossary. photos. ABDO. 2013. lib. ed. $22.78; ebk. $22.78.

K-Gr 2–In each title, brief sentences on the recto face a full-page color photo on the verso. The books include introductions to the featured animal, a “Did You Know?” page of further fun facts, a true-or-false quiz with answers at the bottom of the page, and a glossary, which defines words that are in bold font in the text. The language is breezy and clear. Humans in the narratives are named, making the texts inviting. For example, Juan’s bunny nibbles on a carrot, Dusty is Elliot’s foal, and Lauren’s piglet snuggles in the hay. The information is enough to whet appetites, but is too limited for study. The large, clear photos are a huge draw. This set will be attractive to new readers who are keen on baby animals.

MURRAY, Julie. Arctic Foxes. ISBN 978-1-61783-797-5; ISBN 978-1-62401-177-1. LC 2012049646.

––––. Beluga Whales. ISBN 978-1-61783-798-2; ISBN 978-1-62401-178-8. LC 2012049641.

––––. Polar Bears. ISBN 978-1-61783-799-9; ISBN 978-1-62401-179-5. LC 2012049644.

––––. Puffins. ISBN 978-1-61783-800-2; ISBN 978-1-62401-180-1. LC 2012049645.

––––. Snowy Owls. ISBN 978-1-61783-801-9; ISBN 978-1-62401-181-8. LC 2012049647.

––––. Walruses. ISBN 978-1-61783-802-6; ISBN 978-1-62401-182-5. LC 2012049648.

ea vol: 32p. (Arctic Animals Series). glossary. index. map. photos. websites. ABDO. 2013. lib. ed. $28.50; ebk. $28.50.

Gr 3-5–Each title starts out with a spread that explains what and where the Arctic region is then breaks off into its featured topic. Maps show where the creatures live. The texts are presented in a large font and the sentences are short. Spreads have different colored backgrounds, a layout that works well, except when black print is superimposed on dark blue. “Uncovered!” text boxes reveal additional information (“Snowy owls migrate if food becomes hard to find. They also migrate if the weather gets too cold or snowy”). The captioned photos display many clear action shots (e.g., a snowy owl about to pounce on a hapless rodent). Only a few photos are gory–such as one of a polar devouring a seal. A “Wow!” page finishes off each volume with a few more facts. Despite the busyness, this series is terrific for students interested in animals.

SQUIRE, Ann O. Birds. ISBN 978-0-531-21751-1; ISBN 978-0-531-22336-9. LC 2013002136.

––––. Mammals. ISBN 978-0-531-21754-2; ISBN 978-0-531-22339-0. LC 2013000091.

––––. Reptiles. ISBN 978-0-531-21755-9; ISBN 978-0-531-22340-6. LC 2013000099.

TAYLOR-BUTLER, Christine. Amphibians. ISBN 978-0-531-21750-4; ISBN 978-0-531-22335-2. LC 2013000097.

––––. Fish. ISBN 978-0-531-21752-8; ISBN 978-0-531-22337-6. LC 2013001017.

––––. Insects and Spiders. ISBN 978-0-531-21753-5; ISBN 978-0-531-22338-3. LC 2013002137.

ea vol: 48p. (A True Book: Animal Kingdom Series). chart. diag. further reading. glossary. illus. index. map. photos. websites. Children’s Press. 2013. lib. ed. $29; pap. $6.95.

Gr 2-5–These comprehensive titles are expertly written. Readers are initially asked two true or false questions and are directed to find the answers in the book. Answers are given in the back. The font is large, and sentences are relatively short. Maps and lifecycle diagrams are included among the images. A “True Statistics” section at the end of every volume sums up interesting facts. For example, readers learn that the saltwater crocodile is the world’s heaviest reptile, and that the Goliath frog is the largest frog. Threats to the animals’ survival are mentioned in a section called “The Big Truth.” For example, in Birds, students learn that oil spills are devastating to seabirds. The books are loaded with big, colorful, and captioned photographs. Sound choices for report writing and pleasure reading.

WEST, David. Farm Animals. ISBN 978-1-62588-000-0.

––––. Garden Animals. ISBN 978-1-62588-003-1.

––––. Mini Beasts. ISBN 978-1-62588-002-4.

––––. Pets in the Home. ISBN 978-1-62588-005-5.

––––. Pond Life. ISBN 978-1-62588-001-7.

––––. Tide Pool Animals. ISBN 978-1-62588-004-8.

ea vol: 24p. (Nora the Naturalist’s Animals Series). glossary. illus. index. photos. Smart Apple. 2013. lib. ed. $25.65.

K-Gr 3–Ten spreads per title offer introductory facts about familiar animals. Mini Beasts is the only one not set in a certain locale. Instead, the volume discusses beetles, noisy bugs, earwigs, and more. Two font sizes hint at different reading levels. The larger type comprises the main body of the texts. The smaller font falls below different colored bubble-shaped graphics that coincide with categories of information. For example, readers can find information about food below green bubbles. Blue bubbles explain where each creature lives. Chatty, friendly Nora the Naturalist, who is represented as a squatty cartoon character, makes an appearance on each two-page chapter and offers additional facts, such as “Snails and slugs live in moist environments and must retreat to damp hiding places when the weather is dry.” The photos and illustrations are large and colorful. Attractive, basic introductions.

Grades 5 & Up

GRAY, Susan H. Horse Shows. ISBN 978-1-60870-838-3; ISBN 978-1-60870-844-4. LC 2011012788.

KRAS, Sara Louise. Horse Riding. ISBN 978-1-60870-837-6; ISBN 978-1-60870-843-7. LC 2011029917.

KUMMER, Patricia K. Working Horses. ISBN 978-1-60870-840-6; ISBN 978-1-60870-846-8. LC 2011029916.

MARSICO, Katie. Horse Rescue. ISBN 978-1-60870-836-9; ISBN 978-1-60870-842-0. LC 2011037911.

––––. Therapy Horses. ISBN 978-1-60870-839-0; ISBN 978-1-60870-845-1. LC 2011032176.

TRUEIT, Trudi Strain. Horse Care. ISBN 978-1-60870-835-2; ISBN 978-1-60870-841-3. LC 2011023806.

ea vol: 48p. (Horses! Series). diag. further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Cavendish Square. 2013. lib. ed. $29.93; ebk. $29.93.

Gr 3-6–This series offers a serious look at the world of horses. The information is basic enough to expose newbies to the wonders of equestrian life. The large font is approachable and perfect for the intended audience. The color photos and reproductions clarify the straightforward texts. Different colored words are defined in the glossaries. Riding explains both English and Western styles. Working tells of horses working everywhere from rural areas to cities and in industries from government service to sports and entertainment. Rescue offers real stories of horses that were saved from a cruel fate. Therapy exposes readers to equine-assisted therapy (EAT). Shows and Care are instructive guides. Great for reports and enjoyment reading.

All of the titles above are worthy purchases. The best of the bunch include the two series about horses: Creative’s “Horsing Around” for younger audiences and Cavendish Square’s more seriously toned “Horses!” for slightly older students. Children’s Press’s “A True Book: Animal Kingdom” is an expertly written series. Exposing animal superpowers is just one of the strengths of Raintree’s “Animal Abilities.” Gareth Steven’s slightly misnamed “When Pets Attack” is thrilling. For its humor, both in words and illustrations, nothing beats Amicus’s “Do You Really Want a Pet?” ABDO’s “Baby Animals” and PowerKids’s “Cats Are Cool” are both fine for replacing worn out, dog-eared books on the same topics. The rest of the sets presented here should be strongly considered, especially where updated, beautifully illustrated information is needed.