Gr 1-3 – Each spread includes a single eye-catching image that fills a page and a half. A text box on the side offers two or three simple sentences describing physical characteristics and behaviors. Pangolins, for example, highlights the animal’s scales and tongue, while also describing diet, defenses, and homes. Language is usually clear and direct, although the statement that Komodo dragons “eat dead animals and humans too” could use elaboration. Large photographs show the animals in varied settings and situations, although some details mentioned in the text, such as tiger paws and newborn pandas, are not represented visually. Threats to survival are noted at the end of Bengal Tigers and Giant Pandas but not in Orangutans.
VERDICT: Serviceable introductions for elementary school students.
