Animal books are favorites for reports and for pleasure reading. Most of these titles feature an appealing book design that will attract browsers. Unfortunately, the writing, while serviceable, is not always engaging. Some books are clearly aimed at report writers who need general information, while others focus on multiple animals and what makes each species unique, such as its camouflage or survival skills.

Preschool-Grade 4

ALLYN, Daisy. Deadly Blue-Ringed Octopuses. ISBN 978-1-4339-5734-5; ISBN 978-1-4339-5736-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-5735-2. LC 2010049784. JAMES, Lincoln. Deadly Poison Dart Frogs. chart. ISBN 978-1-4339-5742-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-5744-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-5743-7. LC 2011009417. LEIGH, Autumn. Deadly Pufferfish. ISBN 978-1-4339-5746-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-5748-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-5747-5. LC 2010052573. RICHTER, Abigail. Deadly Mosquitoes. ISBN 978-1-4339-5738-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-5740-6; ISBN 978-1-4339-5739-0. LC 2011006081. ROZA, Greg. Deadly Bacteria. reprods. ISBN 978-1-4339-5726-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-5728-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-5727-7. LC 2010045995. ----. Deadly Black Widows. ISBN 978-1-4339-5730-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-5732-1; ISBN 978-1-4339-5731-4. LC 2010047159. ea vol: 24p. (Small But Deadly Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2011. PLB $22.60; pap. $8.15; ebook $22.60. Gr 2-5-Fans of venomous animals should enjoy this series. While the books have definite appeal for reluctant readers and browsers, they also offer plenty of information for reports. The volumes cover each creature's range/habitat, life in a group, physical characteristics, life cycle, and venom/poison (or the diseases it causes in the case of Bacteria and Mosquitoes). The titles each end with a section on people's relationship with the subjects, including how they sometimes can actually help us. The spreads have about two paragraphs of text, large color photos with captions, and "Deadly Data" fact boxes. Although adults may find the layouts busy or distracting, the designs should attract children. ANTILL, Sara. A Bear's Life. map. ISBN 978-1-4488-4977-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-5101-0; ISBN 978-1-4488-5339-7. LC 2010048487. ----. A Crocodile's Life. map. ISBN 978-1-4488-4976-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-5100-3; ISBN 978-1-4488-5336-3. LC 2010047846. ----. An Elephant's Life. map. ISBN 978-1-4488-4979-6; ISBN 978-1-4488-5106-5; ISBN 978-1-4488-5366-3. LC 2010050513. ----. A Horse's Life. ISBN 978-1-4488-4980-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-5108-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-5367-0. LC 2011000096. ----. A Shark's Life. map. ISBN 978-1-4488-4981-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-5110-2; ISBN 978-1-4488-5368-7. LC 2010053109. ----. A Whale's Life. map. ISBN 978-1-4488-4978-9; ISBN 978-1-4488-5104-1; ISBN 978-1-4488-5340-3. LC 2010049067. ea vol: 24p. (Living Large Series). photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Rosen/PowerKids Pr. 2011. PLB $21.25; pap. $8.25; ebook $21.25. Gr 2-4-This series introduces readers to large animals that are popular report topics. Each title covers the animal's size, growth, habitat (most have a map), diet, life cycle, and relationship with humans (including if any species are endangered). Sometimes the same information is repeated in different sections of the text, which may confuse youngsters who read the books straight through. In Whale's Life, readers are told that the 150-ton blue whale is about five times as heavy as the 40-ton humpback whale. Large photographs and text boxes work together to create an attractive layout, but sometimes the photographs don't represent the same species that is discussed on that particular page. ASHLEY, Susan. Incredible Ants. diags. ISBN 978-1-4339-4571-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-4572-4; ISBN 978-1-4339-4574-8. LC 2010035219. ----. Incredible Bees. ISBN 978-1-4339-4575-5; ISBN 978-1-4339-4577-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-4576-2. LC 2010035220. ----. Incredible Butterflies. ISBN 978-1-4339-4579-3; ISBN 978-1-4339-4580-9; ISBN 978-1-4339-4582-3. LC 2010035221. ----. Incredible Fireflies. ISBN 978-1-4339-4583-0; ISBN 978-1-4339-4584-7; ISBN 978-1-4339-4586-1. LC 2010035222. ----. Incredible Grasshoppers. ISBN 978-1-4339-4587-8; ISBN 978-1-4339-4588-5; ISBN 978-1-4339-4590-8. LC 2010035238. ----. Incredible Ladybugs. ISBN 978-1-4339-4591-5; ISBN 978-1-4339-4592-2; ISBN 978-1-4339-4594-6. LC 2010035240. ea vol: 24p. (The Incredible World of Insects Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Gareth Stevens. 2011. PLB $22.60; pap. $8.15; ebook $22.60. K-Gr 2-These books start with the basics. For example, in Ladybugs readers learn that "Ladybugs are not all ladies." Each book covers the insect's appearance, body parts, movement, and life cycle. With short, declarative sentences, a large font, ample spacing, and color photos to support the text, these volumes are ideal for beginning readers. They could be used for reports, but important facts that children often look for are not included. None of the titles mentions the insects' geographical range or their predators, and only Bees and Ladybugs describe the insects' diets. In addition, Butterflies refers to a cocoon rather than the preferred term chrysalis. GOLDISH, Meish. Rottweiler: Super Courageous. ISBN 978-1-61772-298-1; ISBN 978-1-61772-337-7. LC 2011015914. LUNIS, Natalie. German Shepherd: Super Smart. ISBN 978-1-61772-299-8; ISBN 978-1-61772-333-9. LC 2011011348. OLDFIELD, Dawn Bluemel. Newfoundland: Water Rescuer. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61772-296-7; ISBN 978-1-61772-336-0. LC 2011019413. PERSON, Stephen. Great Dane: Gentle Giant. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61772-297-4; ISBN 978-1-61772-334-6. LC 2011014732. RUDOLPH, Jessica. Labrador Retriever: Most Popular. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61772-300-1; ISBN 978-1-61772-335-3. LC 2011009372. ----. Saint Bernard: Mountain Rescuer. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61772-295-0; ISBN 978-1-61772-338-4. LC 2011002431. ea vol: 32p. (Big Dogs Rule Series). diags. chart. map. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Bearport. 2011. PLB $25.27; ebook $18.95. Gr 3-5-To pull readers in, each title begins with the story of an individual dog helping humans. The rest of the chapters cover the history of the breed, physical characteristics, temperament, and training. Maps show the dogs' various places of origin. "At a Glance" fact pages succinctly summarize data such as size, color, and life span, while the "Best in Show" diagrams delineate what judges look for in each breed. The colorful spreads each contain two or three paragraphs of text, photos, and sidebars (shaped like dog tags). Although there is some material on what type of home is best for each breed, these are not pet-care guides.

LUNIS, Natalie. Coyote: The Barking Dog. ISBN 978-1-61772-279-0; ISBN 978-1-61772-314-8. LC 2011005277. ----. Hippo: River Horse. ISBN 978-1-61772-275-2; ISBN 978-1-61772-315-5. LC 2011002426. ----. Howler Monkey: Super Loud. ISBN 978-1-61772-276-9; ISBN 978-1-61772-316-2. LC 2011002429. ----. Humpback Whale: The Singer. reprods. ISBN 978-1-61772-280-6; ISBN 978-1-61772-317-9. LC 2011019011. ----. Hyena: Who's Laughing? ISBN 978-1-61772-278-3; ISBN 978-1-61772-318-6. LC 2011012737. ----. Mockingbird: Noisy Mimic. ISBN 978-1-61772-277-6; ISBN 978-1-61772-319-3. LC 2011007785. ea vol: 24p. (Animal Loudmouths Series). chart. map. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Bearport. 2011. PLB $22.61; ebook $16.96. Gr 1-3-Each title begins with a high-interest situation in which the profiled species makes some noise. Then the simple text relates the details of the creatures' habitat (including a map), diet, predators, daily routines, and homes. The author also includes information on environmental issues and contact with humans. The "Sound Check" at the end of every volume either describes the range of vocalizations the animal can make or compares its loudness (in decibels) to other sounds kids may have heard (e.g., a lawn mower, train engine, or airplane taking off). Humpback Whale explains how scientists have studied the animal's underwater songs. The covers look a tad sensational, with neon hues and one picture superimposed on top of another, but the interior layout is easier on the eyes. LYNETTE, Rachel. Bluntnose Sixgill Sharks and Other Strange Sharks. map. ISBN 978-1-4109-4196-1; ISBN 978-1-4109-4203-6. LC 2010038670. ----. Deep-Sea Anglerfish and Other Fearsome Fish. ISBN 978-1-4109-4195-4; ISBN 978-1-4109-4202-9. LC 2010038187. MOORE, Heidi. Giant Isopods and Other Crafty Crustaceans. ISBN 978-1-4109-4198-5; ISBN 978-1-4109-4205-0. LC 2010038225. ----. Giant Tube Worms and Other Interesting Invertebrates. ISBN 978-1-4109-4199-2; ISBN 978-1-4109-4206-7. LC 2010038393. RAND, Casey. Giant Morays and Other Extraordinary Eels. ISBN 978-1-4109-4197-8; ISBN 978-1-4109-4204-3. LC 2010038224. ----. Glass Squid and Other Spectacular Squid. chart. ISBN 978-1-4109-4194-7; ISBN 978-1-4109-4201-2. LC 2010038186. ea vol: 32p. (Creatures of the Deep Series). diags. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Heinemann/Raintree. 2011. PLB $29.; pap. $7.99. Gr 3-5-The species mentioned in these books receive mixed treatment; some are covered in a few pages, others dominate nearly half the book. The remainder of the texts consists of background information and spreads highlighting related species, including some unusual ones not often found in titles for young readers. Most volumes include a diagram of ocean depth zones and each explains how scientists research sea creatures and also details threats to the Earth's oceans, including overfishing, global warming, and the 2010 oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The layout features a few paragraphs per spread, accompanied by text boxes and color photos; unfortunately, the captions sometimes repeat information found in the narrative. One other quibble: Giant Isopods states that these animals have the largest eggs of any marine invertebrate but neglects to mention how big they are. MCCARTHY, Cecilia Pinto. Betta Fish. CIP. ISBN 978-1-4296-6051-8. LC 2011000267. ----. Flamingos. CIP. ISBN 978-1-4296-6048-8. LC 2011018492. ----. Green Tree Pythons. ISBN 978-1-4296-6052-5. LC number unavailable. ----. Macaws. CIP. ISBN 978-1-4296-6049-5. LC 2011000268. ----. Poison Dart Frogs. CIP. ISBN 978-1-4296-6050-1. LC 2011000260. MARX, Mandy R. Peacocks. CIP. ISBN 978-1-4296-6047-1. LC 2011000269. ea vol: 24p. (Colorful World of Animals Series). map. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. Capstone/Pebble Plus. 2011. PLB $23.99. K-Gr 2-Large, vibrant photos on the covers and interior pages invite readers into these colorful books. Although each one has only about 200 words, they cover the basic facts students need for reports: range maps, physical characteristics, diet, social behavior, life cycle, and predators. Betta Fish highlights the differences between pets and fish found in the wild. Photographs generally support the adjacent text. With only a few sentences on each page, plenty of white space, and simple sentence structure, these volumes are ideal for the youngest readers. Although the narratives aren't always inspiring, the stunning photos guarantee an audience. MURRAY, Julie. Emus. diag. ISBN 978-1-61783-010-5. LC 2011002297. ----. Kangaroos. ISBN 978-1-61783-011-2. LC 2011002298. ----. Koalas. ISBN 978-1-61783-012-9. LC 2011002305. ----. Platypuses. illus. ISBN 978-1-61783-013-6. LC 2011002301. ----. Tasmanian Devils. ISBN 978-1-61783-014-3. LC 2011002303. ----. Wombats. ISBN 978-1-61783-015-0. LC 2011003048. ea vol: 32p. (Australian Animals Series). maps. photos. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. ABDO/Buddy Bks. 2011. PLB $28.50. Gr 2-4-Each volume begins with an explanation of continental drift, so readers can understand why Australia's animals are unique, and includes a spread of general information about the "Continent Down Under." Students learn about the featured animal's range, size, physical characteristics, diet, life cycle, and obstacles to survival. Some of the most interesting tidbits can be found in a fascinating-facts section near the end of every book; for example, who knew that a kangaroo joey defecates in its mother's pouch-and that the mother has to clean it out. One or two large color photographs grace each spread, along with a few paragraphs of text and "Uncovered!" side boxes that look like they are popping through the page. This is a high-interest topic; these books will likely attract browsers as well as researchers. PRYOR, Kimberley Jane. Ankylosaurus. ISBN 978-1-60870-535-1. LC 2010037185. ----. Diplodocus. ISBN 978-1-60870-536-8. LC 2010037186. ----. Muttaburrasaurus. ISBN 978-1-60870-537-5. LC 2010037187. ----. Protoceratops. ISBN 978-1-60870-538-2. LC 2010037188. ----. Tyrannosaurus. ISBN 978-1-60870-539-9. LC 2010037189. ----. Velociraptor. ISBN 978-1-60870-540-5. LC 2010037190. ea vol: 32p. (Discovering Dinosaurs Series). diags. charts. illus. map. photos. glossary. index. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2011. PLB $28.50. Gr 2-4-Each book begins with two identical spreads about geologic time and dinosaur classification. Then the author describes the individual dinosaur's size (a diagram shows its dimensions compared to a human), intelligence, sensory capabilities, habitat, place in the food chain, and life cycle. Maps shows where fossils of the species have been unearthed. All of the titles end with theories about what led to the extinction of the dinosaurs. While the color illustrations (which appear to be digitally created) and occasional photographs will draw the attention of young readers, the texts do little to involve them or to encourage inquiry. There is often repetition between the narratives and the captions, and the pronunciation guides don't show which syllables should be emphasized. TAYLOR, Barbara. Hidden in the Grass. ISBN 978-1-60992-083-8. LC 2011008174. ----. Hidden in the Sand. ISBN 978-1-60992-081-4. LC 2011008173. ----. Hidden in the Snow. ISBN 978-1-60992-080-7. LC 2011009127. ----. Hidden in the Trees. ISBN 978-1-60992-082-1. LC 2011009128. ea vol: 24p. (Camouflage Series). photos. glossary. index. CIP. QEB. 2011. PLB $25.65. Gr 2-5-Each title describes how both predators and prey use camouflage and why some animals can change their color to hide more successfully. Special attention is given to how camouflage helps young animals survive. The focus is on the techniques rather than on individual creatures; most of them are covered in two or three sentences, though some receive longer treatment on spreads. The text is broken up into small chunks and arranged with multiple full-color photos on each page; sometimes the layouts border on being too busy. Every book includes several "Hide and Seek" photographs where readers try to find the hidden animal, but many of the photos don't show the animals camouflaged. The "Notes for Parents and Teachers" at the end of each volume contains extension ideas.

Grades 5 & Up

HARRIS, Tim, ed. Birds. ISBN 978-1-936333-31-8. LC 2010053975. ----. Fish. ISBN 978-1-936333-32-5. LC 2010053976. ----. Invertebrates. ISBN 978-1-936333-33-2. LC 2010053967. ----. Mammals of the Northern Hemisphere. ISBN 978-1-936333-34-9. LC 2010053969. ----. Mammals of the Southern Hemisphere. ISBN 978-1-936333-35-6. LC 2010053970. ----. Reptiles and Amphibians. ISBN 978-1-936333-36-3. LC 2010053968. ea vol: 64p. (Facts at Your Fingertips: Endangered Animals Series). charts. illus. maps. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Brown Bear Bks. 2011. PLB $35.65. Gr 7 Up-Organized in an encyclopedia style, each book covers more than 20 endangered species, devoting a spread to each one. An introduction provides context on the whole group. A data panel for every profiled creature lists basic information, such as scientific name, population, range (with map), size, diet, and breeding, while the text focuses on how the animal lives and why it's endangered. The categories of threat (vulnerable, endangered, etc.) assigned by the International Union for Conservation of Nature are included, along with an explanation of these classifications and facts about other conservation organizations. Due to the dense amount of information, these titles would most likely be used by students seeking resources for assignments; unfortunately, some animals (such as the sea otter and Steller's sea lion) have been omitted from the index, and others (such as the kiwi) must be located under their full name (Northern brown kiwi). HIBBERT, Clare. Beetles. ISBN 978-1-84837-957-2. LC 2011005599. ----. Birds. ISBN 978-1-84837-958-9. LC 2011005600. ----. Butterflies and Moths. ISBN 978-1-84837-959-6. LC 2011005551. ----. Fish. ISBN 978-1-84837-960-2. LC 2011005601. ----. Snakes and Lizards. ISBN 978-1-84837-961-9. LC 2011005602. ----. Spiders. ISBN 978-1-84837-962-6. LC 2011005603. ea vol: 32p. (Really Weird Animals Series). photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Arcturus. 2011. PLB $28.50. Gr 3-5-Each title introduces readers to more than 15 different animals. Fact boxes present information about the size, home, and diet of the creatures, and text boxes scattered throughout contain interesting facts. Though students may be familiar with some of the animals, many will be new to them, and the details truly are fascinating; for example, crab spiders can disguise themselves as bird droppings. Unfortunately, there are no introductions to give readers context about the types of species. The large photos and small sections of text make these good choices for reluctant readers, and they are certain to attract browsers. However, due to the brevity of the information, they won't be as useful for reports. KOONTZ, Robin. Leaps and Creeps: How Animals Move to Survive. ISBN 978-0-7614-4906-5; ISBN 978-1-60870-599-3. LC 2010016861. ----. Movers and Makers: How Animals Build and Use Tools to Survive. ISBN 978-0-7614-4910-2; ISBN 978-1-60870-603-7. LC 2010039660. ----. Screams and Songs: How Animals Communicate to Survive. ISBN 978-0-7614-4907-2; ISBN 978-1-60870-600-6. LC 2010016875. ----. Sniffs and Stinks: How Animals Use Odor to Survive. ISBN 978-0-7614-4908-9; ISBN 978-1-60870-601-3. LC 2010016862. ----. Spits and Squirts: How Animals Squirt to Survive. ISBN 978-0-7614-4909-6; ISBN 978-1-60870-602-0. LC 2010016863. ea vol: 48p. (Amazing Animal Skills Series). illus. photos. further reading. glossary. index. Websites. CIP. Marshall Cavendish/Benchmark. 2011. PLB $29.93; ebook $29.93. Gr 4-6-This series highlights adaptations animals have made to subsist in their environments. Each title has seven chapters that describe one aspect of the overall topic. For example, in Sniffs, the first section introduces readers to the olfactory physiology, while the remaining chapters cover how animals use odors (or their sense of smell) to attract mates, mark their territory, defend themselves from predators, communicate, and find food. The last chapter features animals with superb sniffing abilities. Koontz writes in an informal style, often engaging readers by addressing them directly; she doesn't hesitate to discuss the gross-out facts that appeal to kids. A mix of color illustrations, photos, and text boxes breaks up the narrative. Since most animals are covered in one paragraph, students might not find enough information for reports, but these titles are captivating pleasure reading, and they will be valuable where animal adaptations are a part of the curriculum. For younger students, the best option is Capstone's "Colorful World of Animals," while for intermediate grades, Marshall Cavendish's "Amazing Animal Skills," Bearport's "Big Dogs Rule," and Gareth Stevens's "Small But Deadly" would all be good choices. If you need additional materials on the topics, Arcturus's "Really Weird Animals," Bearport's "Animal Loudmouths," ABDO's "Australian Animals," QEB's "Camouflage," Heinemann's "Creatures of the Deep," and Brown Bear Books's "Facts at Your Fingertips: Endangered Animals" are adequate additions. Skip Marshall Cavendish's "Discovering Dinosaurs," Gareth Stevens's "The Incredible World of Insects," and PowerKids Press's "Living Large," as there are many better series available on these subjects.