Iguanas

With simple sentences; sharp, uncluttered photos; and just a handful of facts, these animal profiles are generally on target for the intended audience of new readers. Each book narrates one day in the life of the animal, introducing basic behaviors within the story. Iguanas, for instance, mentions the importance of tails, scales, and other specifics, neatly reinforced by well-chosen photographs. The absence of details such as size and geographic range is appropriate, given the consistently simple vocabulary and minimal text. The daylong narrative format is not completely effective. While words describe a particular animal’s day, photos clearly depict several different species. Attempts at drama have limited impact because the described interactions with other animals, such as an eagle’s search for a sloth are obviously two separate, unrelated photographs. The set will answer only the most basic questions about these animals but should spark the interest of the youngest readers. —School Library Journal

With simple sentences; sharp, uncluttered photos; and just a handful of facts, these animal profiles are generally on target for the intended audience of new readers. Each book narrates one day in the life of the animal, introducing basic behaviors within the story. Iguanas, for instance, mentions the importance of tails, scales, and other specifics, neatly reinforced by well-chosen photographs. The absence of details such as size and geographic range is appropriate, given the consistently simple vocabulary and minimal text. The daylong narrative format is not completely effective. While words describe a particular animal’s day, photos clearly depict several different species. Attempts at drama have limited impact because the described interactions with other animals, such as an eagle’s search for a sloth are obviously two separate, unrelated photographs. The set will answer only the most basic questions about these animals but should spark the interest of the youngest readers. —School Library Journal