The animal section is among the largest in most children’s library collections, so book selection decisions are often based on how potential new titles relate to what is already on the shelves. Some of the series below cover subject areas that may be missing in most collections, such as animal disabilities and lesser-known river dwelling species. Others offer fresh presentations of topics that might need building up, including life cycles, animal classification, nocturnal creatures, and animal battles. All of these have potential to enhance collections. Explore their specific strengths and weaknesses to decide if they will fit your patrons’ needs and interests.

Elementary

Andrews,E. C.Cicada.ISBN 9781534546998.
––––. Clown Fish.ISBN 9781534547025.
––––. Parasitoid Wasp.ISBN 9781534547056.
––––. Surinam Toad.ISBN 9781534547087.
ea vol: 24p. (Extreme Life Cycles). Greenhaven/KidHaven. Jul. 2024. Tr. $26.23.
Gr 3-5–Each of these animals exhibits at least one highly unusual feature in their life cycles, such as the cicada’s extended nymph stage. After a brief introduction to the concept of life cycles and a quick profile of the featured animal, key developmental stages are examined. Special attention is given to the most extreme behaviors: four pages detail the way parasitoid wasp larvae eat their host animal (Parasitoid Wasp). Readers might wish for more detail in some cases. The male-female dynamics of clown fish is described, but the number of fish that make up a typical shoal is not given. Half-page photographs appear on every page within a rectangular frame. Many are useful depictions of the animal at specific stages. Pages are decorated with cutout cartoon drawings of each animal; these are occasionally distracting, especially when placed fully within the photo frame. VERDICT Worth considering for subject holes.

Becker,Becca.The World’s Smallest Birds.ISBN 9798892131889.
––––. The World’s Smallest Fish.ISBN 9798892131919.
––––. The World’s Smallest Insects.ISBN 9798892131940.
––––. The World’s Smallest Mammals.ISBN 9798892131971.
––––. The World’s Smallest Reptiles.ISBN 9798892132008.
ea vol: 24p. (The World’s Smallest Animals). Jump!/Pogo. Aug. 2024. Tr. $18.95.
Gr 2-4–Brief, engaging looks at some of the tiniest animals in nature. Opening chapters broadly introduce the main characteristics of the animal group. The main chapter introduces six of the smallest creatures in the class. A few sentences of text offer interesting tidbits of information. An inset fact box provides the name, length, and sometimes weight or wingspan of each animal. Large, well-chosen photographs usually show the creatures in their natural environment and highlight notable physical features. Some photos include familiar objects alongside the animal to provide useful perspective. The smallest chameleon, for example, is shown on a match head (The World’s Smallest Reptiles). A short third chapter notes the importance of small animals within the food chain. Each book concludes with a clear visual comparison of all six featured animals, aligning their lengths to that of a crayon or, for the extremely tiny insects, a tack. VERDICT Fascinating information and strong visual appeal.

Emminizer,Theresa.Amphibian Life Cycles.ISBN 9781978539716.
––––. Bird Life Cycles.ISBN 9781978539747.
––––. Fish Life Cycles.ISBN 9781978539778.
––––. Insect Life Cycles.ISBN 9781978539808.
––––. Mammal Life Cycles.ISBN 9781978539839.
––––. Reptile Life Cycles.ISBN 9781978539860.
ea vol: 32p. (Life Cycles in Review). Enslow. Jul. 2024. Tr. $26.93.
Gr 3-5–These well-organized titles present engaging information about animal life cycles, supported by specific examples and solid visuals. The books succeed in identifying features common to all members of a group, while also noting variations. The first half of Fish Life Cycles , for example, introduces qualities shared by most fish, followed by closer looks at examples that differ from the norm, such as salmon and manta rays. Full- or half-page photographs fill one page per spread and provide visual examples of the variety of species within each group. Some include captions to identify the animal. Each book includes diagrams or lists to show the stages of life cycles, some for the broad class and others for a particular group or species. The combination of text and visuals offers a strong overview of each topic. VERDICT Useful resources that should appeal to students doing reports and curious browsers.

Hubbard,Ben.Great White Sharks vs. Dolphins: Food Chain Fights.ISBN 9798765626740.
––––. Lions vs. Zebras: Food Chain Fights.ISBN 9798765626764.
––––. Wolves vs. Moose: Food Chain Fights.ISBN 9798765626788.
Roggio,Sarah.Crocodiles vs. Hippos: Food Chain Fights.ISBN 9798765626733.
––––. Hawks vs. Rattlesnakes: Food Chain Fights.ISBN 9798765626757.
––––. Polar Bears vs. Seals: Food Chain Fights.ISBN 9798765626771.
ea vol: 32p. (Predator vs. Prey). Lerner. Aug. 2024. Tr. $31.99.
Gr 3-5–Unlike most animal battle books, this set pairs creatures that actually meet in the wild. A short first chapter describes the two animals moving toward interaction, with photos of each and a brief list of statistics. The longer middle chapter lays out the qualities that might help each creature, such as size, speed, and teeth. Defensive features like disguise and sense of smell are also noted, as are the weaknesses that might impact the battle. While most of the information relates to the conflict, occasional fact boxes add extra data about other topics, such as mating and habitat. The organized layout consistently puts each animal on the same side of the spreads, with facts and a photograph. Most chapters include a photo spread showing both animals interacting; the final chapter describes the actual battle. VERDICT Successfully combines the appeal of animal battles with real-life examples of predation.

Humphrey,Natalie.It’s a Bird!ISBN 9781482466812.
––––. It’s a Fish!ISBN 9781482466843.
––––. It’s a Mammal!ISBN 9781482466874.
––––. It’s a Reptile!ISBN 9781482466904.
––––. It’s an Amphibian!ISBN 9781482466935.
––––. It’s an Insect!ISBN 9781482466966.
ea vol: 24p. (Creature Features: Classify Animals!). Gareth Stevens. Jul. 2024. Tr. $24.27.
Gr 2-4–In these basic introductions to animal classes, each spread includes a paragraph of text on one page, complemented by one or more photos filling the opposite side. Common features that all or most members of the group share are identified, including physical characteristics, like mammal fur, and behavioral traits such as care of young. Some exceptions to generally common attributes are noted, including egg-laying mammals (It’s a Mammal) and insects that are born live (It’s an Insect). Photos provide clear and useful support of the textual content. A close-up of a baby turtle emerging from its egg (It’s a Reptile) and spot images showing different types of bird beaks (It’s a Bird) are good examples. Captions identify animals in some of the photos, but not all of them. Though at times the content is rather broad, these books generally provide the right amount of information for readers who are new to the topic. VERDICT Useful introductions for younger learners.

Markovics,Joyce.Brave Birds.ISBN 9781668946848.
––––. Courageous Cats.ISBN 9781668946855.
––––. Fearless Dogs.ISBN 9781668946893.
––––. Hero Horses.ISBN 9781668946879.
––––. Incredible Goats.ISBN 9781668946886.
––––. Wonder Rabbits.ISBN 9781668946862.
ea vol: 24p. (Champs! Inspirational Animals). Cherry Lake. Aug. 2024. Tr. $30.64.
Gr 3-5–This series puts the spotlight on animals that thrived despite illnesses or disabilities, from a pony with a prosthetic leg to a blind rabbit who is guided by her sibling. Each book introduces several real animals, and includes descriptions of their physical limitations and the ways they have been addressed. The first animal profile is a little more in-depth, with subsequent stories providing shorter descriptions of more examples. A brief summary of how treatment has changed over time, quotations from people who interact with the animals, and examples of the work of specific animal rescue groups round out the text. Most but not all of the featured animals are depicted in photographs. Each book includes at least one photo of an animal using a specially designed wheelchair. VERDICT A solid presentation that will fill a subject hole in most collections and appeal to animal-loving readers.

O’Brien,Cynthia.Arctic Fox vs. Red Fox.ISBN 9781645197935.
––––. Burmese Python vs. Alligator.ISBN 9781645197942.
––––. Eagle vs. Falcon.ISBN 9781645197959.
––––. Giant Panda vs. Red Panda.ISBN 9781645197966.
––––. Giraffe vs. Zebra.ISBN 9781645197973.
––––. Hawk vs. Owl.ISBN 9781645197980.
––––. King Cobra vs. Rattlesnake.ISBN 9781645197997.
––––. Komodo Dragon vs. Anaconda.ISBN 9781645198000.
––––. Leopard Seal vs. Tiger Shark.ISBN 9781645198017.
––––. Lion vs. Tiger.ISBN 9781645198024.
––––. Mountain Lion vs. Coyote.ISBN 9781645198031.
––––. Scorpion vs. Tarantula.ISBN 9781645198048.
––––. Walrus vs. Elephant Seal.ISBN 9781645198055.
ea vol: 32p. (Animal Showdowns). Kaleidoscope/Bigfoot. Aug. 2024. Tr. $28.95.
Gr 3-5–This new entry in the field of animal battle books takes readers through ten rounds of an imagined fight, supported by interesting facts and solid visuals. Lively present-tense narration describes each stage of the conflict, with points awarded for each section and a running total throughout. Most animal facts are related to predation and defense, with some additional information noted in fact boxes. Some of these pairs could actually meet in the wild; this is usually, but not always, stated clearly in the text. Photographs of combatants highlight features and behaviors related to the fight, such as the zebra’s kick (Giraffe vs. Zebra) and the tiger shark’s teeth (Leopard Seal vs. Tiger Shark). Most show only one of the animals, though staged images in Scorpion vs. Tarantula and an actual photo of two foxes fighting in Arctic Fox vs. Red Fox are particularly satisfying. VERDICT Strong additions to this popular sub-section of animal books.

Ross,Melissa.Amazing Animal Ears.ISBN 9781680207972.
––––. Amazing Animal Eyes.ISBN 9781680207989.
––––. Amazing Animal Feet.ISBN 9781680207996.
––––. Amazing Animal Noses.ISBN 9781680208009.
––––. Amazing Animal Tails.ISBN 9781680208016.
––––. Amazing Animal Tongues.ISBN 9781680208023.
ea vol: 32p. (How Animals Use Their Body Parts). Mitchell Lane/Little Mitchie. Jul. 2024. Tr. $34.28.
Gr 1-3–These titles provide varied examples of how eyes, ears, and other features help animals in the wild. Nine animals are depicted in full-page photos, accompanied by three or four sentences describing notable features. In most cases both physical appearance and function are addressed. The colossal squid’s eyes are “as big as basketballs,” and also help the animal “see better in its deep dark habitat” ( Amazing Animal Eyes). By highlighting just one or two interesting facts on the broader topic, the text is engaging without being overwhelming for younger readers. Photographs fill the majority of each spread. Most do a good job of highlighting the feature and its function, though a few are less successful, such as the slightly blurred alligator’s tail (Amazing Animal Tails) and the blue whale’s tongue, which is not shown (Amazing Animal Tongues). VERDICT Appealing, if not quite exciting, presentations for browsers.

Storm,Marysa.Golden Dorado.ISBN 9781623109127.
––––. New Zealand Longfin Eel.ISBN 9781623109158.
––––. Payara.ISBN 9781623109165.
––––. Peacock Bass.ISBN 9781623109172.
Terp,Gail.Alligator Gar.ISBN 9781623109110.
––––. Goliath Tigerfish.ISBN 9781623109134.
––––. Goonch Catfish.ISBN 9781623109141.
––––. Piraiba Catfish.ISBN 9781623109189.
ea vol: 32p. (River Monsters). Black Rabbit/Bolt. Jul. 2024. Tr. $37.10.
Gr 3-5–This set offers profiles of river-dwelling animals that will be unfamiliar to most young readers. Opening pages describe the animal in action: hunting in most cases. Key areas, including habitat, food, and physical characteristics, are introduced in subsequent short chapters. Most photographs show the animals in their environment and some call attention to particularly unusual features, like the long barbels of the piraiba catfish (Piraiba Catfish). Other useful visual content includes a range map, a two-page photo with labeled body parts, a food chain chart, and a “by the numbers” spread with a few interesting statistics. Threats to survival and current conservation status are also noted. VERDICT The information rarely goes beyond the basics, but the unique qualities of the animals and the dearth of information about them in other books should grab the interest of readers who enjoy learning about unusual animals.

Upper Elementary to Middle School

Bylenga,Heather Rook.Birds Swarm.ISBN 9798892502085.
Herschbach,Elisabeth.Rodents Infest.ISBN 9798892502122.
Miller,Marie-Therese.Orcas Attack.ISBN 9798892502115.
Osornio,Catherine.Mosquitoes Infect.ISBN 9798892502108.
Reitmann,Kathleen.Snakes Strike.ISBN 9798892502139.
Simms,Susan Rose.Cane Toads Invade.ISBN 9798892502092.
ea vol: 64p. (Animals vs. Humans). North Star/Apex. Aug. 2024. Tr. $35.64.
Gr 3-7–Each title looks at different ways animals can cause harm, offering examples of how they have impacted ecosystems and how humans have responded. Coverage includes dramatic events, like plane crashes caused by bird strikes (Birds Swarm) and the deadly illnesses spread by mosquitoes (Mosquitoes Infect) along with simpler but still notable problems, such as rodents ruining gardens (Rodents Infest). Photographs show the creatures themselves as well as scenes of the damage they have caused. Text avoids sensationalism, instead focusing on how animals’ natural behavior and human progress can create conflict, and even disasters. Historical context shows how problems have developed over time, sometimes caused by misguided human decisions, as with the importations of starlings (Birds Swarm) and cane toads (Cane Toads Invade). Some titles include information as current as 2023. Closing chapters look at contemporary efforts by people to address potential disasters. VERDICT Well-rounded presentations on an interesting topic.

Watt,E. Melanie.Nine-Banded Armadillo.ISBN 9798874504670.
––––. Striped Skunk.ISBN 9798874504731.
––––. Tokay Gecko.ISBN 9798874504762.
Wilson,Sierra.American Badger.ISBN 9798874504618.
––––. Barn Owl.ISBN 9798874504649.
––––. Red Fox.ISBN 9798874504700.
ea vol: 24p. (Animals of the Night). Lightbox Learning/AV2. Aug. 2024. Tr. $32.84.
Gr 4-6–These profiles of nocturnal animals cover key elements report writers will look for, including physical features, behavior, life cycles, and food. Most information focuses on a single species, though qualities shared by relatives are noted in the text. Photographs provide useful views of the animals in the wild. Fact boxes, species comparisons, a life cycle diagram, and a food chain chart combine visuals with factual content in varied and effective ways. In some instances, readers might wish for more detail. The included world map highlights parks and preserves where the animals reside, but does not show their ranges in the wild. Closing sections look at animal relations with people, including daily interactions and broader conservation status. Brief myths, a research activity, and a reading-based quiz round out each title. VERDICT Engaging, mostly thorough overviews of interesting animals.

Upper Middle School to High School

Boxer.ISBN 9781422249406.
Chihuahua.ISBN 9781422249420.
French Bulldog.ISBN 9781422249437.
Golden Retriever.ISBN 9781422249444.
Labrador Retriever.ISBN 9781422249451.
Siberian Husky.ISBN 9781422249468.
ea vol: 64p. (Meet the Breed). National Highlights/Mason Crest. Sept. 2024. Tr. $25.95.
Gr 5-8–This set presents in-depth looks at well-known dog breeds. An opening chapter traces the history of the breed in some detail, followed by a complete look at physical features, mostly in terms of AKC standards, in chapter two. The final three chapters explore many aspects of bringing a puppy into the home, including the time commitment required, the process of finding and selecting the dog, and the challenges of assimilating a canine into the household. While challenges of pet ownership are acknowledged, the tone is consistently encouraging and personable, conveying the excitement and rewards of living with dogs, with a wealth of practical advice. Most photographs are small but useful, showing full-body views of different examples from the breed, rather than close-ups of features or interactions with humans. VERDICT Useful for collections needing more detailed dog breed resources.

Lerner’s “Predator vs. Prey” adds a true-life component to the popular animal battle books. “Champs! Inspirational Animals” (Cherry Lake) looks at the struggles and triumphs of animals with disabilities, a topic not often found on library shelves. “River Monsters” (Black Rabbit/Bolt), “Extreme Life Cycles,” (Greenhaven/KidHaven) and the especially appealing “The World’s Smallest Animals” (Jump!/Pogo) all introduce species not often covered in kids’ books. Enslow’s “Life Cycles in Review” is a strong choice for collections needing extra content on the subject.