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(3)
4-6
Color by Katherine Garner. The conclusion to the Nnewts trilogy remains as offbeat as ever as Nnewt Herk and his siblings Sissy and Zerk mount an epic plan to save Amphibopolis from the evil reptilian Lizzark army. Middle-grade readers with a taste for the bizarre and fanciful will appreciate the moody illustrations, which feature a complexity usually reserved for older and adult graphic novels.
(3)
4-6
Color by Katherine Garner. In this second graphic novel (Nnewts: Escape from the Lizzarks), Nnewt Herk is enjoying homemade food with his new adoptive family when a Lizzark attacks. Mom takes quick action by using "the Internnewt" to send word of the invasion. An all-out battle ensues, and the Nnewts struggle to save Amphibopolis from the villainous reptiles. Glossy, deep-colored panel art depicts the intense action and quirky cast of creatures.
40 pp.
| Walter Foster
| August, 2012
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-936309-50-4$35.65
(4)
K-3
Learn to Draw Plus series.
Illustrated by
Diana Fisher.
Beginning with simple geometric shapes, readers are led through stepped stages to sketch and color increasingly detailed creatures and vehicles. Careful observation and coordination are required to achieve the suggested results, with a fairly difficult leap to the finished artwork. The subjects are engaging and varied, with factual information in colored text boxes on many pages. Review covers these Learn to Draw Plus titles: Learn to Draw Cats & Kittens, Learn to Draw Insects, Learn to Draw Reptiles & Amphibians, Learn to Draw Cars & Trucks and Learn to Draw Dinosaurs.
(3)
K-3
Libros rayo--conce los grupos de animals series.
Readers are introduced to a wide variety of animals in these playfully designed Spanish-language books. The accessible texts discuss unique characteristics of different species in each group, along with ways certain creatures have adapted to survive. Close-up captioned photographs point out unique characteristics of individual animals. These are great resources for Spanish-language learners. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Libros rayo--conce los grupos de animals titles: ¿Sabes algo sobre anfibios?, ¿Sabes algo sobre reptiles?, ¿Sabes algo sobre aves?, ¿Sabes algo sobre insectos?, ¿Sabes algo sobre peces?, and ¿Sabes algo sobre mamíferos?.
64 pp.
| Brown Bear
| September, 2011
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-936333-36-3$35.65
(3)
YA
Facts at Your Fingertips: Endangered Animals series.
Each volume begins with background information about the title animal group, including consideration of the specific dangers faced by that type of animal. Profiles of various endangered species (classified by threat level) follow on double-page spreads with solid factual information (in very small type), accompanied by a field guide–like data summary, color photographs, illustrations, and habitat maps. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Facts at Your Fingertips: Endangered Animals titles: Birds, Fish, Invertebrates, Mammals of the Northern Hemisphere, Mammals of the Southern Hemisphere, and Reptiles and Amphibians.
48 pp.
| Enslow/Bailey
| December, 2010
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-3194-4$23.93
(4)
K-3
Beginning Pet Care with American Humane series.
This series covers the basics: animal history, rescue options, daily care, challenges, and relevant responsibilities. The combination of pet-owner true stories, useful facts, and how-to advice will aid youngsters caring for animals; information is somewhat broad, establishing these books as supplementary resources. The many photographs are colorful and relevant. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Beginning Pet Care with American Humane titles: Learning to Care for a Bird, Learning to Care for a Cat, Learning to Care for a Dog, Learning to Care for a Horse, Learning to Care for Fish, Learning to Care for Reptiles and Amphibians, and Learning to Care for Small Mammals.
206 pp.
| Dial
| February, 2010
|
TradeISBN 978-0-8037-3365-7$12.99
(4)
4-6
Young dragon Danny Dragonbreath's second adventure is a little convoluted (like his first). Danny loves ninja movies, and when real ninja frogs appear in pursuit of Suki the salamander, Danny and his pal Wendell (an iguana) come to the rescue. Vernon humorously intersperses main text with cartoon-panel illustrations in mostly black, white, and green as readers share Danny's daydreams and adventures.
24 pp.
| Bearport
| January, 2009
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59716-762-8$22.61
(4)
4-6
Extreme Cuisine series.
The gross factor may keep strong-stomached readers paging through descriptions of Thai fried bats, Mexican mealworm pasta, and other culinary "delights." Close-up photos of live ingredients and completed dishes add an extra ick factor. Readers beware: there are real dangers to consuming some of these things if prepared incorrectly. The host of TV's Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmern is series consultant. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Extreme Cuisine titles: Baby Bug Dishes, Bug-a-licious, Mammal Menu, Spider-tizers and Other Creepy Treats, Shocking Seafood, and Slithery, Slimy, Scaly Treats.
(4)
4-6
Illustrated by
Andrew Plant.
Well-researched chapters tell of the now-extinct creatures (ichthyosaurs, plesiosaurs, mosasaurs) that populated the ancient seas during the Mesozoic era. Their characteristics, habitats, and diets, as revealed by fossilized remains, are discussed, and possible explanations for their extinction are posited. Though ponderous, the text is full of facts for budding paleontologists. Acrylic gouache illustrations and pencil drawings enhance the book. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
48 pp.
| Enslow/Elementary
| August, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-0-7660-3074-9$23.93
(3)
K-3
Top Pets for Kids with American Humane series.
Covering basic needs, temperament, and physical traits of different types of animals, each book offers a detailed introduction to the diet, health, handling, and grooming of popular pets. The invitingly designed chapters feature an accessible text and colorful, varied photographs. The books emphasize proper health care and the responsibilities of pet ownership. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Top Pets for Kids with American Humane titles: Top 10 Dogs for Kids, Top 10 Reptiles and Amphibians for Kids, Top 10 Small Mammals for Kids, Top 10 Birds for Kids, Top 10 Cats for Kids, and Top Ten Fish for Kids.
32 pp.
| Heinemann
| June, 2007
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-4329-0563-7$25.36 New ed. (2000)
(4)
K-3
Crías series.
These revised Spanish-language editions focus on baby animal development, touching on behavior, characteristics, habitats, life cycles, and survival techniques. Large, well-captioned photographs illustrate the science concepts. Life-cycle diagrams and comparison charts are appended. Though some of the information can be confusing, the Spanish translations are accurate. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Crías titles: Anfibios, Aves, Insectos, Mamíferos, Peces, and Reptiles.
(3)
4-6
Criaturas increíbles series.
This series covers groups of animals, from mollusks to mammals, birds, and insects. The text, including sidebars with unusual facts, will maintain readers' interest while fully covering the basics: diet, physical characteristics, reproduction, etc. Close-up photographs of animal eyes on each cover reflect the attention-grabbing nature of Townsend's approach. The well-executed Spanish translation of the leveled text is smooth and precise. Reading list. Glos., ind. Review covers these Criaturas increíbles titles: Anfibios increíbles, Arácnidos increíbles, Aves increíbles, Insectos increíbles, Mamíferos increíbles, Moluscos increíbles, Peces increíbles, and Reptiles increíbles.
64 pp.
| DK
| April, 2004
|
TradeISBN 0-7566-0414-1$15.99
|
LibraryISBN 0-7566-0415-X$19.99
(4)
4-6
GuÃas visuales series.
Illustrated by
Frank Greenaway.
Photographs by
Geoff Brightling.
Although the DK format is ill suited to conveying any substantial or sustained information, these translations may be useful because there is such a dearth of Spanish material for children on these topics. As always, the many crisp photos will attract casual browsers. Ind. Review covers these GuÃas visuales titles: Aztecas, Incas y Mayas, Anfibios, Reptiles, Cuerpo humano, Peces, and La tierra.
32 pp.
| Gareth
| March, 2002
|
LibraryISBN 0-8368-3021-0$$21.26
(4)
K-3
101 Facts about Pets series.
The "facts" in these volumes include histories of the animals, breeds and colorings, and care and enjoyment of the animals, set up in numbered paragraphs and illustrated with color photos that often demonstrate the texts' points. The numbered arrangement creates a haphazard text flow with choppy transitions, but overall the series provides enough information to get young pet lovers started. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these 101 Facts about Pets titles: 101 Facts about Goldfish, 101 Facts about Hamsters, 101 Facts about Horses and Ponies, 101 Facts about Parakeets, 101 Facts about Terrarium Pets, 101 Facts about Ferrets.]
149 pp.
| Linnet
| December, 2002
|
TradeISBN 0-208-02511-1$$25.00
(3)
4-6
Herpetologist Marty Crump brings her expertise to this well-researched, readable book. After introducing the unique characteristics of these creatures, using intriguing examples to further her points, Crump addresses population decline and conservation, making a well-reasoned case for changing our habits and policies. In addition to substantial supporting material, the book includes black-and-white photos and art. Bib., glos., ind.
48 pp.
| Harcourt
| April, 2001
|
TradeISBN 0-15-202591-X$$16.00
(3)
K-3
At their best, these concise poems full of wordplay and wit capture the essence of the creature under consideration. The narrow focus, however, seems to have challenged the limits even of Florian's considerable creativity. Not all eight poems on different kinds and manifestations of frogs, for instance, are equally inspired. Still, the good moments are more than good enough.
(3)
4-6
What a Pet! series.
From monkeys and sugar gliders to chameleons and geckos, these books examine the special care needed to keep unusual pets healthy and happy. The text emphasizes the food, housing, training, and licensing requirements for some of these animals, and the authors stress the concerns about keeping such animals in captivity. Illustrated with color photos, these books will be popular with young animal enthusiasts. Bib., ind.