Review by School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5-- The kangaroo and echidna are spotlighted in two books from Australia. In the first, the focus is on the familiar red and gray kangaroos, as text and full-color photographs highlight physical characteristics, behaviors, and natural habitats. Wallaroos, wallabies, and tree kangaroos are also included. Photographs show the marsupial in the wild and close-ups of a joey during developmental stages from birth to maturity. Unfortunately, less familiar members of the species are presented before the discussion of common characteristics of all kangaroos. Juxtaposition of text and photographs on the first several pages sometimes confuse as information is positioned more as captions in lengthy paragraph form. The Australian Echidna , a relative of the platypus, is documented in photo-essay style. It is much better organized, with text and photographs successfully coordinated to present a clear understanding of this scientifically ``confusing'' animal. Captioned photographs depict the animal's unique physical characteristics and ability to adapt to a variety of habitats in Australia and Tasmania. A fascinating series of pictures shows a young spineless echidna as it struggles to find its mother within a dark burrow. A detailed comparison of reproduction in this egg-laying monotreme with that of other mammals is presented in direct text, illustration, and photographs. --Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Horn Book Review
Strong writing and animal photography work together to create books that will be sought out for school assignments and recreational reading. In [cf2]Kangaroos,[cf1] the chapter on reproduction with its striking photographs is particularly good. [cf2]Lions[cf1] and [cf2]Polar Bears[cf1] also provide full descriptions of their subjects, including information about habitats, behavior, and environmental issues. Glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Review by Kirkus Book Review
The brief text here is informative, but the color photos of the varied kangaroo clan (including the wallaroo, brindled nailtail wallaby, and red kangaroo), taken in Australia's outback, are outstanding. The pictures documenting the development of the kangaroo embryo from smaller than bean-sized to full-grown joey, poking from his mother's pouch, are especially appealing. (Nonfiction. 8-12)
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