Review by Booklist Review
This addition to Gibbons' extensive shelf of topic books draws young readers into the world of alligators and crocodiles by first asking readers to distinguish between them. She describes the physical similarities and differences between the two most common species of the world's largest reptiles, as well as their habitats, habits, prey, locomotion, senses, communication, mating and nesting behavior, and status as endangered species. The author has chosen facts that will engage her readers, organized the information logically, and presented it in straightforward exposition. Pen-and-ink and watercolor illustrations show both species in their likely environment. Labels are plentiful and unfamiliar terms are explained in context. Two maps show where the species can be found around the world and where they coexist in the southern United States. While Gibbons' drawings don't have the fidelity of those of some other nature artists, the plants and animals surrounding these intriguing animals are generally recognizable. Additional factoids and a Web site suggestion for further research complete the package.--Isaacs, Kathleen Copyright 2010 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 3-Gibbons's nonfiction picture books are brought to life complete with sound effects in these charming read-alongs. Each book focuses on one animal, with detailed descriptions of habitats, food, and life cycles along with definitions and occasional pronunciations of terms associated with the animals. Along with this abundance of information, there are colorful illustrations to accompany the text. Employing a different narrator for each title adds variety. During Polar Bears, for example, narrator Dion Graham leaves time for the listener to look at a map. The narrators also read all the captions for the pictures, which can become tedious on some pages, but the occasional background music adds to the atmosphere. These will be a welcome addition to any library collection.-Elizabeth Elsbree, Krug Elementary School, Aurora, IL (c) Copyright 2014. 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
Gibbons's distinctive illustrations feature these fierce and intriguing reptiles in Floridian habitats (the only place where the two species naturally coexist), accompanied by basic information about their habits, food sources, and how they raise their young. The similarities and differences between the species are highlighted; additional facts are scattered throughout the pages and collected at the end of the book. (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
