School Library Journal: Series Made Simple

These volumes begin by explaining that “all animals belong to the animal kingdom.” A diagram then gives examples of the classes of animals that are vertebrates and those that are invertebrates. Common shared characteristics are covered, and the bright color photos pop off the pages. Although phyla, order, family, genus, and species are not mentioned specifically, Reptiles and Mammals both discuss how their classes are broken down into smaller groups. Record-breakers (largest, smaller, fastest, etc.) are listed at the end of each volume. Thorough glossaries are included, and the lists of further reading are adequate. The generic Factsurfer website suggested in each title offers a mixed bag for children wanting to find out more on the Internet. Serviceable introductions.