Platypus

November 1, 2008
Gr 2-4-These examinations of six photogenic animals and selected specialists who study them offer the current crop's best balance of appealing presentation and systematic, clearly presented information. Each creature inhabits an exotic habitat, from the arctic fox that lives farther north than any other land mammal in the world and the Weddell Seal to Madagascar's aye-aye and fossa. The aye-aye is a lemur so rare that it was mistakenly declared extinct in the 1930s, and the elusive fossa is a lemur-eating mongoose and the island's largest native predator. Readers will linger over the excellent pictures and come away with a better understanding of the creatures and of some of the challenges facing scientists who seek to learn more about them.

Copyright 2008 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2009
Readers follow the work of scientists who study the unique features and challenges of animals living in remote habitats. Though scattering focus, firsthand accounts create a narrative feel while still weaving in facts about the animals and their environments. Large photos, mostly clear captions, and short sidebars enhance the texts. End-of-book animal facts add interest. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

(Copyright 2009 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)