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358 pp.
| Disney-Hyperion
| July, 2017
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4847-7504-2$16.99
(3)
4-6
Escaping from a dark grave, young shape-shifter Serafina (Serafina and the Black Cloak; Serafina and the Twisted Staff) finds herself--and the world she knows--changed. Invisible, Serafina can only watch as a terrible evil wreaks havoc, threatening her beloved Biltmore Estate, the Blue Ridge Mountain region, and its inhabitants with catastrophic storms. Suspense and tension build steadily in this gripping trilogy-closer.
(3)
4-6
After defeating the Man in the Black Cloak and learning she's part catamount, Serafina must once again battle dark forces on the Biltmore Estate in 1899. More tightly plotted than Serafina and the Black Cloak, this sequel is packed with foreboding and tension as Serafina protects the estate and deals with a truly unsettling discovery. An author's note discusses the real Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.
296 pp.
| Disney/Hyperion
| July, 2015
|
TradeISBN 978-1-4847-0901-6$16.99
(4)
4-6
In 1899 North Carolina, catlike girl Serafina lives in the glamorous Biltmore Estate, unbeknownst to anyone except her maintenance-man father. That changes when she witnesses a fantastical assault from her basement hideaway: a man absorbs a screaming girl into his cloak. To save her, Serafina comes out of hiding and discovers her own strange heritage. Steady suspense mostly compensates for an unwieldy plot.
(4)
K-3
Big Cats series.
These books for beginning readers introduce four species of big cats. The simple texts (briefly) discuss habitat, physical features, and behavior. The large, colorful photographs are eye-catching, which makes it unfortunate when parts of the pictures are lost in the gutters. These are adequate first science books. Glos., ind. Review includes these Big Cats titles: Leopards, Lions, Pumas, and Tigers.
24 pp.
| Smart Apple
| March, 2014
|
LibraryISBN 978-1-62588-035-2$25.65
(3)
K-3
North American Mammals series.
Though written in the first person ("I have 42 teeth and powerful jaws..."), these books resist further personification and instead create engaging, accurate narratives about the life cycle, nurture, habitat, skills, size, and culture of their subjects. Well-selected photos closely match the text, and specific headings ("Water Baby"; "Keeping in Touch") introduce each double-spread. A fact page concludes each volume. Websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these North American Mammals titles: Beaver, Brown Bear, Gray Wolf, Mountain Lion, Prairie Dog, Raccoon, and Sea Otter.
272 pp.
| Penguin/Razorbill
| April, 2009
|
TradeISBN 978-1-59514-161-3$16.99
(4)
YA
This sequel to The Midnight Twins begins with a recap of the previous installment, in which freshman twins Meredith and Mallory discovered their supernatural abilities. Now sophomores, they face new dangers involving a mysterious mountain lion. Though the adventure does feature intriguing elements like shape-shifting and Cree traditions, confusing dialogue and excessive social drama may keep readers at bay.
64 pp.
| Chelsea Clubhouse
| September, 2006
|
LibraryISBN 0-7910-9119-8$28.00
(3)
4-6
Nature Walk series.
Maps, photographs, sidebars, and black-and-white drawings augment these informative, accessible discussions of common North American mammals. From cultural overviews and theories of evolution to classification and behavior, these titles provide practical information for the report-driven reader as well as the curious observer (although the books' covers make them look a little more babyish than is the content). Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. Review covers these Nature Walk titles: The Bat, The Coyote, The Mountain Lion, and The Squirrel.
48 pp.
| Enslow
| December, 2006
|
LibraryISBN 0-7660-2668-X$23.93
(3)
4-6
When Wild Animals Attack! series.
Despite sensationalistic titles, these are balanced discussions of three predatory mammals. Chilling accounts of attacks on humans by bears, tigers, and mountain lions are the starting point for learning about why the animals attack and how humans can avoid attacks or defend themselves. Each book includes many photographs, sidebars, and a diagram. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. Review covers these When Wild Animals Attack! titles: When Bears Attack!, When Tigers Attack!, and When Mountain Lions Attack!
32 pp.
| Child's
| March, 2001
|
LibraryISBN 1-56766-888-7$$24.21
(3)
K-3
Naturebooks series.
Each of these clear and simple texts relates basic information about a mammal's appearance, diet, offspring, enemies, and more. The full-page color photographs are attractive, and captions often expand on the text. There are ten other books in the series. Glos., ind.
32 pp.
| Putnam
| January, 1998
|
TradeISBN 0-399-22944-2
(3)
PS
While a mother mountain lion lies on a rocky ledge, her two small cubs climb and tumble and play nearby. In simple, elegant language, Arnosky describes how the cubs are cared for and protected by their mother. Full-page, tawny-colored illustrations show the contrast between the tiny cubs and their large, powerful mother.