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Monday, April 5, 2010

Animals Around the World, written by Samantha Gray et al. DK, Tourmaline Editions. 2009. $14,99 ages 6 and up


"Some seabirds spend most of their lives soaring over the open ocean. Others search for food on the seashore. At nesting time, most cluster together on cliffs in huge groups called colonies. With birds on every level, a cliff is like a high-rise apartment building!"

I love it when I get a new box of wonderful nonfiction from Chris at Tourmaline! I know I am in for a treat when I open it and see the newest offerings from DK Publishing. This is one of the new arrivals.

Kids love these books. They are filled with information that is accessible to young readers, with breathtaking photographs and an appealing format. The table of contents shows that each new entry will be a double page spread, and entices us with just enough information to stimulate interest. The introduction maps out the variety in the animals we are going to meet in the pages to follow. Vertebrates and invertebrates are briefly shown and described and then we move forward.

A world map displays the habitats common to the animals to be introduced. The animals are then placed on the continents where they live. A map key shows where each habitat exists and the clear, appealing photos begin. 'The ends of the earth' are first shown, with small text boxes, descriptive captions and more clear photos. And so we go from desert, to jungle, to oceans and on and on...

The design remains consistent which is helpful for young readers. They will want to linger over the detailed, colorful pictures of many of the animals they might never see in their lifetime. Some will be familiar, many will not. A glossary and index help us to understand some unfamiliar language and to find our way to some favorite pages. As always, DK has provided us with new learning, and heightened interest in the natural world around us.

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