Piranhas

Gr 3-5-Fish with unusual characteristics are featured in these clearly written, well-organized, and attractively formatted introductions. The texts, printed in large, boldface type, describe the general physical and behavioral characteristics common to all varieties of their respective subjects and some unique traits of individual species, and explain how to choose healthy specimens at aquarium shops or pet stores. (Piranhas stresses that these fish are definitely not recommended as pets for children, or for adults inexperienced in aquarium fish care.) Sea Horses and Siamese Fighting Fish include information on mating and egg-laying behavior. Clear, full-color photographs appear on most pages. Additional bits of information are presented in picture captions set against different colored rectangles. There are some minor flaws. Not all of the species depicted are identified by common name. Also, a small proportion of the photos seem to be mere visual padding. The lucid texts, however, make up for these minor inadequacies. Susan Grossman's Piranhas (Silver Burdett, 1994) offers some theories on reproduction (as yet little is known about breeding in the wild) and discusses the Amazon Basin habitat in more detail. Landau's title, however, is better organized and illustrated. Rebecca Stefoff's Sea Horse (Benchmark, 1996) does not provide as much detail on physical characteristics or behavior but has excellent close-up photos. Information on Siamese fighting fish is scarce. Welcome additions to natural-history collections.-Karey Wehner, San Francisco Public Library (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Landau's readable text provides basic facts about shark habitat, diet, reproduction, and behavior. A section on avoiding shark attacks is also included. The accompanying diagrams and color photographs add information, but the book design lacks variety. "Fast facts," reading list, websites. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.