Barbara Taylor (1) (1954–)

Gr 3–6—Educational and entertaining, this title teaches readers about animals. Yes, it's well organized and
promotes a curiosity about different parts of animals' bodies in different species. But it's also absolutely thrilling.
Chunks of information highlighting important features fuel this winner for strong readers and reluctant ones, too.

This book is so cool. The photos are great, the material is just intricate enough to keep kids engaged and challenged, but not so complex it loses them. Each section contains a main description of the topic, e.g. "Vipers," then multiple mini descriptions of supporting details in smaller sections across a 2-page span. These include facts like scales, colors, defense mechanisms, and even mythology. There's something to fascinate any kid (or, at least the kids without snake phobias...I did find show more that having the book around in a public space really bothered some people because the pictures are incredibly lifelike.)

It pained me to return this book to the library. This is definitely a wish-list book. I got kids who'd I'd never seen sit still before to actually focus! I think it's a great means for teaching main topic and supporting details, too.

I'd probably put this around an average 4th grade reading level, but with some available support, it was great with 3rd graders, even a few 1st and 2nd grade. If nothing else, the pictures are great and really pull the kids in. show less

This is a wonderful collection of individual books into one 'omnibus' version. I had the Snake one as a kid, and the original I had sustained some damage so I'm glad to find this book in particular being a reprint of the same one I had, plus a few extra sections in it that I hadn't seen before ( Alligators, Lizards & Turtles). Vivid photography, cool facts, and easy to understand- especially for children. I loved this book when I was younger and still have a soft spot for it all these years. show more It's definitely a page turner for the animal and nature lover. show less

I think that this book is well worth all the effort put into it! The explanations and information is well researched and condensed to a manageable level for many student levels as well as parents who never knew these things. The format is interesting and there is no time for boredom (but maybe sparks of enough interest to see out more). The illustrations make no pretense of erudition by are laid back and make learning fun! Another great book to send to the grandkids!
I requested and received show more a free temporary ebook from Quarto Publishing Group – Frances Lincoln Children's Books/Frances Lincoln Children's Books via NetGalley. Thank you! show less