How Animals Use Their Body Parts

Animals have unique and unusual body parts that work like tools. How Animals Use Their Body Parts explores the many fascinating body parts of different kinds of animals. A dragonfly’s compound eyes allow it to catch more prey, a mandrill’s colorful nose turns brighter to communicate emotion, and the see-saw action of a kangaroo’s tail works like a third leg. Along with stunning photos, a fun additional facts section, and a helpful glossary, this series helps readers understand how animal’s body parts enable them to survive in their habitats.

GR 1-3–These titles provide varied examples of how eyes, ears, and other features help animals in the wild. Nine animals are depicted in full page photos, accompanied by three or four sentences describing notable features. In most cases both physical appearance and func-tion are addressed. The colossal squid’s eyes are “as big as basketballs,” and also help the animal “see better in its deep dark habitat.” (Amazing Animal Eyes) By highlighting just one or two interesting facts on the broader topic, the text is engaging without being over-whelming for younger readers. Photographs fill most of each two-page spread. Most do a good job of highlighting the feature and its function, though a few are less successful, such as the slightly blurred alligator’s tail (Amazing Animal Tails) and the blue whale’s tongue, which is not shown (Amazing Animal Tongues). VERDICT Appealing, if not quite exciting, presentations for browsers.--School Library Journal, November 2024