Bobcat

Gr 2-4-Three mediocre offerings in an already overcrowded field. The books are organized logically and cover physical traits, social habits, and life cycles. The texts are slightly more advanced than beginner-reader level; glossary words are italicized and defined within the text, as well as at the end of the books. Maps consist of fuzzy and unlabeled outline drawings showing areas in which the title animal is most common, not all areas in which it is found. Bobcat and Lynx have some good-quality photographs and are acceptable if libraries need additional titles on these topics. However, better entries on these animals can be found in the "Early Bird Nature Books" (Lerner), "Nature Watch Books" (Carolrhoda), and "Nature's Children" (Grolier) series. There are also exceptional single titles on wild cats, such as Susan Bonner's Hunter in the Snow: The Lynx (Little, Brown, 1994). Feral Cat includes some out-of-focus photographs and others that are poorly lit; it covers much the same ground as many good pet books. While names of some organizations trying to deal with the feral-cat problem are mentioned, no contact information is given. All three of these books include brief bibliographies of current titles that are more attractive and useful than the books at hand.-Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Each of these books provides a competent overview, discussing physical attributes, hunting and mating behaviors, habitat, diet, and the impact humans have on these wildcats. Though slightly dry, the clear texts draw comparisons with house cats where appropriate to aid understanding. Plentiful color photographs and a list of "Feline Facts" round out these useful volumes. Bib., glos., ind. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.