Information Graphics: Animal Kingdom

Gr 4 Up—Readers will be attracted to thecover of this book, with its uniquely designed images set against a vibrant, green background. Inside, they will find a range of very general information about the animal kingdom. The table of contents lists eight chapters with brightly colored chapter tabs ("Species," "Senses," "Record Breakers," etc.). Almost all the pages offer intriguing facts and cartoonish illustrations (one arresting spread of red, black, and green features self-defense techniques), but no photos are included. Actual size proportions are often ignored in these illustrations (for instance, on one page, a chameleon is almost as large as a whale). Students will find it challenging to compare and contrast animals because the material is so broad; text fonts are extremely small, owing to the need to fit a large amount of information on each page; the vocabulary is geared toward adults; and the book lacks both a glossary and index. Artistically, this title is visually pleasing, and children will enjoy it for the fun factor, but it should not be considered for purchase as a science reference.—Caroline Geck, Camden Street School Library, Newark, NJ