Seal Pups

Children will be attracted to these books because of the subject matter and adorable color photographs. The repetition, simple vocabulary, and predictability make them suitable for beginning readers; however, when youngsters attempt to decode the texts, in most cases they will find the pictures to be more decorative than helpful. The books are too simplified to be considered quality nonfiction. Important information is presented (for example, “Newborn puppies cannot see or hear”), but no scientific detail is included, such as how much time passes before puppies open their eyes. Vague terms like “soon” are used where exact or approximate time frames would have been more helpful. Books in the “See How They Grow” series are much more scientific and easier to read. These titles may do just fine in beginning-reader sections, but look for something better to fill nonfiction shelves.