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79 pp.
| Houghton
| August, 2019
|
TradeISBN 978-0-544-99148-4$18.99
(2)
4-6
Patent chronicles the Australian and Tasmanian governments' attempts to save Tasmanian devils from a fast-spreading, almost one-hundred-percent fatal disease propelling the species toward rapid extinction. After outlining the causes of the disease (with clear diagrams and photographs of chromosome abnormalities) and the scientific research, Patent takes readers to several devil sanctuaries, nature preserves, and labs to observe the progress being made in both reintroduction programs and vaccines, carefully explaining their methodologies. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.
Reviewer: Betty Carter
| Horn Book Magazine Issue:
November, 2019
(4)
K-3
Lightning Bolt Books: Baby Australian Animals series.
Each book begins with the birth of an Australian animal and then, in four brief chapters, superficially describes its growth and development, behaviors, diet, and physical characteristics; each ends with a simple life cycle diagram. Clear photographs help illustrate the somewhat choppy texts. "Habitat in Focus" and "Fun Facts" sections are appended. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these Lightning Bolt Books: Baby Australian Animals titles: Meet a Baby Koala, Meet a Baby Tasmanian Devil, Meet a Baby Wombat, Meet a Baby Kangaroo, and Meet a Baby Wallaby.
(3)
4-6
Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters series.
After a somewhat lurid introduction, brief chapters provide overviews of the featured mammal's appearance, behavior, diet, habitat, and reproductive cycle as well as threats to its survival. High-quality stock photos accompany the accessible texts. Despite their sensationalized titles and pulp fiction–style design, the books actually address the misunderstood animals' "monstrous" reputations and advocate for their conservation. Glos., ind. Review covers these Checkerboard Library: Real Monsters titles: Tasmanian Devil and Spotted Hyena.
40 pp.
| Philomel
| September, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-0-399-24322-6$16.99
(3)
K-3
When their mum gets caught in a trap, her Tasmanian devil cubs Big Stanley, Burnie, and Winnie rise to the occasion. Soft-edged oil paintings in muted hues extend the story nicely, and the Australian terminology (e.g., "footy ball") adds an element of interest. Though somewhat anthropomorphized in terms of facial expressions, the animals' habits and appearances are generally realistic.
24 pp.
| ABDO
| September, 2009
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-60453-579-2$19.93
(4)
K-3
SandCastle: Baby Australian Animals series.
A clean, inviting design frames the text in this early reader series about Australian baby animals. Group names, special habits and features, diets, and predators are covered (though some explanations are confusing or otherwise unsatisfying). Occasional sidebars support the texts and/or the (mostly) clear photographs. "Vital Statistics" and "Fun Facts" pages are useful for making comparisons among the animals. Glos. Review covers these SandCastle: Baby Australian Animals titles: It's a Baby Kangaroo!, It's a Baby Australian Fur Seal!, It's a Baby Flying Fox!, It's a Baby Spiny Anteater!, and It's a Baby Tasmanian Devil!
32 pp.
| Bearport
| August, 2008
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-59716-733-8$25.27
(4)
K-3
Uncommon Animals series.
Readers follow the work of scientists who study the unique features and challenges of animals living in remote habitats. Though scattering focus, firsthand accounts create a narrative feel while still weaving in facts about the animals and their environments. Large photos, mostly clear captions, and short sidebars enhance the texts. End-of-book animal facts add interest. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Uncommon Animals titles: Aye-Aye, Platypus, Fossa, Tasmanian Devil, Weddell Seal, and Arctic Fox.
32 pp.
| Steadwell
| January, 2003
|
LibraryISBN 0-7398-6840-3$$24.28
(4)
4-6
Animals of the Rain Forest series.
Short, choppy sentences with glossary words printed in bold-faced type and close-up color photos with dull captions characterize these brief introductions to rainforest animals. Each formulaic book discusses habitat, physical characteristics, habits, life cycle, and threats from deforestation. Report writers will find this series an adequate if bland resource. Habitat map. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Animals of the Rain Forest titles: Howler Monkeys, Cabybaras, Malayan Sun Bears, Okapis, and Tasmanian Devils.]
Reviewer:
7 reviews
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