School Library Journal - Series Made Simple

Series Review: PreS-Gr 2–After an opening spread that describes each animal in action, these brief profiles examine behavior, physical characteristics, and life cycles. Attractive layouts are built around one main photo per spread, with a short informational paragraph. One spread identifies the body parts of the animal. However, some key features, such as the lion’s mane and the orangutan’s hands and feet, are not labeled. A closing “Bonus Facts” section provides compelling data set against an appealing action-oriented photo. The flow of information isn’t always smooth. In Sloths, readers learn “several animals eat them” on page seven, but examples of predators are not offered until page 16. The two-page map shows the animal’s range, though no textual context is given for the orangutan’s tiny ­habitat. VERDICT Serviceable for subject needs.