Reading Level: Grade 1 Interest Level: Grades K – 3
Who is swimming in the ocean? Is it a porpoise, or is it a dolphin? With this book, emerging readers will discover the differences between these aquatic mammals. Engaging text, high-quality images, and clear labels will guide readers through each page, while a side-by-side feature will summarize these differences in a fun, exciting way.
'The world includes many amazing and diverse animals. The Spotting Differences series book compares two different animals using colorful photos of animals in their natural habitats. The books compare and contrast the animals’ appearances, characteristics, and habitats. For example, in Aardvark or Anteater? the reader will learn that aardvarks sleep in burrows while anteaters sleep in trees or on the ground. Crow or Raven? reveals that crows often travel in groups while ravens often travel alone or in pairs. Dolphin or Porpoise? shows that dolphins and porpoises have different types of snouts. Lizard or Salamander? describes how salamanders usually appear at night and most lizards are awake during daylight hours. Each title has a side by side comparison with descriptive facts and bright photos for an engaging summary of what the reader has learned. In addition, each book includes a factual page and a picture which prompts the reader to guess which animal it is. A glossary, index, and more sources are provided so that readers can access more information about these fascinating creatures. The appealing visuals, the repetition of high-frequency vocabulary, and short sentences make this a perfect choice to engage any young reader.', Alana Jara, District Librarian, Clear Lake Community School District,'Blastoff! Readers Level 1: Spotting Differences is a twenty book set that delves into the differences between animals. Each book focuses on a pair of animals and details their physical and behavioral traits. Text is accessible to your newest readers and accompanying illustrations are high quality and engaging. Nonfiction text features include: table of contents, index, glossary and labeled diagrams. Unfamiliar words are bold type and the animal pair’s differences are repeated at the end as a wrap up. Suggested websites and resources are noted for further investigation. Dolphin or Porpoise? starts out by sharing that both are mammals and swim in oceans or rivers. Then, the book describes several different features, including fin shape and size, tooth size and their general body types. Behavior differences are also touched upon. Young readers will be able to share some solid facts about each animal and make some great comparisons. This book would be great for beginning animal reports. It has just enough information to be interesting and not so much that it’s overwhelming. Perfect for the target audience!', Candy Ranney, South Sound Book Review Council, Washington,'This nonfiction series for early readers has all of the features a high quality nonfiction book needs. Teachers and librarians will be able to teach and point out features such as table of contents, highlighted text, clearly labeled, accurate colorful photographs, paginations, glossary, and indexes while animal lovers and budding scientists read about their favorite topics. The well labeled photographs show side by side animal comparisons as well as teach facts specific to each animal. Easy text will give entry level readers the confidence to move ahead independently as they explore. Visually engaging online factsurfer.com directions teach students how to tie online research to the books they have read. This makes for a big win for engaging future scientists. Overall engaging series that would make a great addition to any library servicing young readers.', Lisa Zink, Elementary School Librarian, Educator Review
