Alligators

March 1, 2012
Grades K-3 Providing basic information about their subjects, the books in the Amazing Animals series let the illustrations do most of the talkingand the crisply reproduced, plus-size photos that fill the page speak loud and clear. At the end, though, each book provides a revealing story about the animals in question that helps liven up the otherwise relatively dry recitation of general facts about physiology, behaviors, eating habits, habitats, and life spans. In Alligators, we learn about a Louisiana legend that explains why dogs and alligators don't get along. The books' easy-reading text will be a boon to both beginning and struggling readers, and the beautiful photos are inviting enough to linger over. The one-page back matter lists two websites and two books to help with further inquiry.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)