Louise Spilsbury is an experienced author of nonfiction books for young people. Her writing covers a wide range of topics from animals and science to history and social studies.
The lives of fascinating sea animals is a topic that will engage
young readers. In this series of sturdy, colorful, paperback,
"read-and-learn" books, students explore facts about dolphins,
sharks, seals, sea turtles, octopi, and jellies. The manners in
which the animals behave, move, sleep, eat, and hunt are described
in clear, informative prose. A colorful photograph supports a few
lines of text on each page, making the books accessible to even
reluctant readers. Sharks are often portrayed as terrifying
predators in the media. But this volume focuses more on their
interesting qualities. For instance, the Great White has some
incredible physical characteristics, such as the ability to look
for food using senses of sight and smell. Words printed in bold
font are found in a glossary, and a "body map" in each book
provides a valuable introduction to the similarities and different
adaptations of each sea animal. As a set, this series can provide
individuals or groups with content to understand biodiversity.
Learning about life in the sea will be a rich and rewarding
experience using these books.-- "Science & Children"
These nautical profiles pair well-chosen color photos-such as a
view of a Pacific giant octopus with a diver next to it for scale
and an unusual close-up of the inside of a leatherback turtles
mouth showing the spines that prevent jellyfish from escaping-with
one or two sentences of simply worded commentary for each. Though
each volume includes references to several varieties of the chosen
creature, one species in particular is highlighted; Weddell seals
in Seal, for instance, and Great Whites in Shark. An awkwardly
phrased claim that jellyfish "squeeze their body tight and push out
the water to make them move" aside, all of these make good choices
for pleasure or purpose reading. -John Peters, formerly at New York
Public Library School Library Journal November 2010-- "School
Library Journal"
This series on sea animals will appeal to emerging readers in early
elementary grades. Each book profiles one species. Engaging
features include attractive covers, straightforward sentences in
large font, and brief chapters that align with national science
standards. Chapter headings pose questions to create a purpose for
reading. Technical vocabulary terms appear in bold print and are
defined in the glossary. The biggest draw is the illustrations.
Half-page color photos aligned with text appear on every page, and
each selection includes an animal body map highlighting physical
features. Of equal interest to researchers and browsers, these
titles should prove popular. Bibliography. Glossary. Websites.
Index. -Kathleen McBroom, Media Specialist, Dearborn (Michigan)
Public Schools Library Media Connection March/April 2011-- "Library
Media Connection"
Ask a Question About this Product More... |