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. It's perfect for research reports because of its 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 are perfect for this nonfiction text. The glossary, with challenging vocabulary words and easy-to-understand definitions, was an excellent and crucial addition to this text. And I liked that the text boxes were highlighted with a different font and print color. The book is great for a classroom read-aloud. The colorful photographs, entertaining information, and print size allow the book to be used in small- and large-group settings. The text is interactive, asking readers questions throughout. My favorite part of the book was a photograph series depicting an open clam on one page and a bear digging diligently for a clam on the next. Because most students have never seen an open clam, it was a great idea to show it before showing a bear digging for one as a treat. A lightning bolt at the top of a page warns that a new idea will be discussed. In summary, the book has many excellent possibilities. It's 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
