Pennsylvania School Librarian Association (PSLA)
In this series, the reader learns about specific animals in each book. The animals all range from amphibians, mammals, birds, and fish. The animals all live on various continents and oceans throughout the world. Each book begins with describing the physical traits and characteristics specific to that animal. Each book has a map showing the location the animal can be found. The books also have diagrams of the different body parts of the animal. The books each have a diagram of the food web of that specific animal showing photographs of the food it eats as well as the predators to that animal. The photographs of the animal in its true habitat are engaging and make the reader feel as if he/she is on an animal expedition, observing the animal in the wild. As a teacher, these books are a dream for students doing research projects because the books are all aligned in the same format. Therefore, a teacher can work on non-fiction text features with students and use different books from the same series. This makes research projects more cohesive and easier to navigate for the young researchers. Young researchers get excited to share information with their peers from the books due to the ease of understanding the animal with the non-fiction text supports. Some non-fiction text features included in each book are engaging photographs, a map, a table of contents, labels, headings, a diagram, bold-faced words, a glossary, and an 1 index. The real photographs of the animals are engaging to readers of all ages. Make sure you check out these books to learn more about animals in their natural habitats!', Charity Nadrozny, 2nd Grade Teacher, Illinois, Educator Review,'Koalas is a nonfiction book with basic information about the koala. Each book contains a table of contents, bright pictures of each animal, as well as a glossary. There is a report for each animal that contains information about where they live, their status in the wild, and their habitats. There is also an infographic about their food web and their overall life. THOUGHTS: The sentences are simple and easy to understand, which makes this a great series for early researchers. It’s also a great series for any students who really love animals and want to know more. This series, while expensive, is a great addition to any elementary school collection.
