School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2–These easy readers introduce distinctly different animals (some, such as pigeons, prairie dogs, and bats, are united in their “perceived pest” status) in a fun way. Fresh photography, a creative use of graphics, and a collagelike layout make them eye-catching. Interactive text (“Why are all these bats upside down?”) and a “Fun Facts” page in Bats, Pigeons, and Snails will engage readers. Each book ends with a labeled diagram of the animal, a range map, and a further-reading list that includes print and online resources in a single list, a nice way of validating both types of materials.
From the Publisher
"As a classroom teacher, I was impressed with many aspects of this book, which is perfect for research reports because it has beautiful photographs and interesting morsels of information. The graphic design of the contents page, on which the page numbers are in bubbles, is interesting and inviting. The map and diagram were excellent ideas and are perfect for this text, and the glossary, with challenging vocabulary words and easy-to-understand definitions, was an excellent and crucial addition. Text boxes are highlighted with a different font and print color, and there are many suggestions for further reading. This book would be great for a classroom read-aloud. The colorful photographs, entertaining information, and print size allow it to be used in both small- and large-group settings. The text is interactive, asking readers questions throughout. Kids will love the roadrunner eating the iguana and the iguana devouring a cactus. It's a perfect book for group discussions because there are questions throughout. The lightning bolt at the top of a page warns readers that a new idea will be discussed. In summary, this book has many excellent uses - as an easy read for a child, a great read-aloud for teachers to supplement a unit of study, an entertaining book to read independently, and/or a useful book for a research report for an early childhood reader." —NSTA
