April 1, 2012
Gr 2-3-Despite extensive use of boilerplate headers and text, these profiles offer clear overviews of each animal's physical features, habits, habitats, and herd or social structures. The color photographs are a mix of reasonably sharp close ups and distance portraits shot in the wild. Each volume ends with a page of interesting facts, e.g., "a lion's roar is so loud it can be heard five miles (8 km) away!" and "many scientists believe that zebras can see in the dark as well as owls!" However, though the informational content is adequate and the presentation visually appealing, there is little that distinguishes these books from the many similar surveys already available.
Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.
July 1, 2012
Murray provides thorough introductions to four popular African species. Information includes inhabited territory on the continent, social patterns, and physical stats; sporadic "uncovered" sidebars add interesting facts. Some content on Africa is repeated in all four volumes. Though the quality of photographs is mixed, graphic layouts and straightforward text make this series a suitable choice for animal lovers. Glos., ind.
(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)