My Encyclopedia of Very Important Animals

January 1, 2018

Gr 1-3-Full of color images and cartoon drawings, this enticing title covers a wide array of animals. Some photographs are accompanied by informative speech bubbles (for instance, a moose states that it is the largest types of deer). The font is large, and key terms are in bold. The first section, "All About Animals," offers an overview of different types of creatures, such as mammals, birds, fish, and reptiles, as well as mythical and endangered animals. Graphics make the animals' relative size apparent; for instance, a chart shows that the tooth of a megalodon (a sharklike prehistoric creature three times as large as a great white) was as big as a human hand. "Amazing Animals" focuses on the remarkable, including the pangolin, the only scale-covered mammal. "Animal Antics" examines behaviors such as the 10-hour sleeping patterns of the sloth and the symbiotic relationship between ostriches and zebras. "More Very Important Animals" explores traits, habitats, and more. The design is attractive, highlighting details such as the dance moves of the male Victoria's riflebird. On a page about bees, facts and images are laid out to resemble a beehive. Overall, this is a solid introduction to the animal kingdom, with welcoming images and concise facts. VERDICT A useful classroom reference that will support curricula and intrigue browsers.-Beth McGuire, Hempfield Area School District, Greensburg, PA

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