Readers will learn how Tasmanian devils got their fear-inducing name and discover topics ranging from the devil's massive appetite to the role it plays in the ecosystems of Tasmania. Also discussed is Devil Facial Tumor Disease, the contagious cancer that is sweeping through the devil population and putting the animal's future at risk.
June 1, 2013
Gr 2-4-With jagged stripes of red and yellow, the series title, and close-ups of critters with bared teeth on the covers, one would expect the content of these volumes to be thrilling, but it's never good to judge... well, you know the rest. Quinlan's style is tepid and repetitive, which is curious, given the ample sensational material these vicious varmints provide. There are exclamation marks aplenty, but they are not a substitute for strong writing. Factoids should consist of especially interesting or startling information, but most of them offer basic stuff. The organization of the material is muddled; chapters overlap or fail to have a solid focus. Honey Badgers is the clearest and most cohesive volume. Where the books fare better is in the photographs. Clear, large images of the animals in their habitats, sometimes dining on bloody prey, will satisfy many browsers, and the information will prove adequate for report writers. These volumes are a missed opportunity in some ways, but they suffice in others.-Alyson Low, Fayetteville Public Library, AR
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