Attracting Mates

April 1, 2012

Gr 2-5-These overviews offer examples of different aspects of animal life. For example, to attract a mate, a greater sage-grouse male will puff out his chest while a male cuttlefish will flash different colors and patterns. Each book begins with a spread containing a diagram or drawing to introduce the topic. The volumes profile different animals with short paragraphs, large photos, and "Fact Files" text boxes that contain information about the creature's size, habitat, distribution, etc. Most examples feature specific species (sifaka, blind cave fish, etc.), but some are oddly generic entries such as "Snail" and "Bat" in Movement. That volume begins with the oversimplified statement that "All animals move to search for food, escape from predators, find homes, and find mates." Close-up photos will attract browsers, who might be inspired to do further research.

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