How Animals Work

June 28, 2010
This beautifully photographed encyclopedia of animals is divided into categories that include movement, diet, senses, and animal families. Striking spreads capture animals in action, such as an elephant giving itself a dust bath and a kingfisher catching a fish, while sections focused on topics like breathing and circulation provide insight into lesser-known creatures such as oxygen-diffusing sea butterflies. Diagrams showing internal organs and intimate closeups of eyes, skin, fur, and wings, should engage budding biologists. Ages 8–up.

December 1, 2010

Gr 3-8-This oversize collection of amazing photographs and descriptive captions will give browsers plenty to pore over. Eight general sections covering animal forms, movements, diets, families, and more are divided into seven or eight spreads loaded with examples and details. "Senses," for instance, includes spreads on "Eyesight," "Hearing," "Seeing with sound," "Taste and smell," "Touch and motion," and "Special senses." Each spread includes an introductory paragraph, a large central photo, and a smattering of smaller photos and diagrams that provide examples of the variety within the topic. The ninth and final section begins with evolution and then presents 10 major animal groups. This section, much like a visual catalog, subdivides the groups according to a common characteristic; e.g., insects are grouped as "Partial transformers" and "transformers." Dynamic photographs show birds in flight, slugs on a slime trail (shown from below), and lizards in mid-leap. Occasional double-page photos add variety and impact. Readers will spend hours drifting from one fascinating image to the next.-Carol S. Surges, McKinley Elementary School, Wauwatosa, WI

Copyright 2010 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 1, 2010
Grades 5-8 Richly illustrated with color photos, this oversize volume looks at the animal kingdom thematically first, with chapters on broad areas such as senses, ways of moving, diets, communication, predation, and so on, before briefly introducing evolution and groups of animals such as invertebrates, amphibians, and mammals. A typical double-page spread might include a paragraph of general discussion accompanied by a number of colorful images, each with a paragraph-length caption of pertinent information. Most of the illustrations are exceptionally clear photos, while others include excellent diagrams, cross sections, charts, and internal views of animal systems. Large-scale, double-page photos are interspersed throughout the volume, often showing stunning close-up views of individual animals. Apart from the index and extensive picture credits, there is no back matter. Although the breadth of the subject precludes depth of coverage, the captivating illustrations and clearly written, specific information make this an inviting book for animal lovers.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2010, American Library Association.)