Reading Level: Grades 1-2 Interest Level: Grades K – 3
Northern cardinals are bright-billed songbirds. They often turn a tree branch or bird feeder into a stage. And they always look performance-ready in their red feathers and a spiked head crest. In this title, northern cardinals debut for young readers. Will they earn a reading encore?
'Animal books are perennial favorites with students, which no doubt influenced Bellwether’s expansion of its North American Animal series for younger readers. Each one of these engaging titles features basic information about the animal under discussion, including physical characteristics, habitat, predators, reproduction, and diet. Diagrams and photos are present throughout the text to reinforce the presented information. For example, each volume contains a map illustrating the range and current conservation status of each animal, while a diagram compares the size of the animal to humans. Close up photos illustrate distinguishing characteristics of each species. (For example, the Bobcats volume featured close up photos of a bobbed tail, dark spots, and ruff, all identifying characteristics of the bobcat.) The text is enhanced by numerous high-quality photographs of each animal. A glossary and link for online resources are also included. THOUGHTS: These titles are ideal for the lower elementary researcher or casual reader. The photo selection in each volume is excellent – the images are so crisp and clear it feels like the animal is going to jump off the page at you! A note regarding the link for online resources found in the back of each volume. At the time of this review, this link was not working correctly and the recommended resources were unable to accessed. However, these titles are still a worthwhile purchase for the elementary school collection.', Elizabeth Henry, Lampeter-Strasburg School Districtt
