If you were a dog

Gr 3-5-The texts in these titles are positioned almost entirely in different colored boxes, which might be attractive to some students but visually distracting to others. The boxes are set on large, color photographs. Question bubbles scattered throughout will get readers thinking. "Do snakes drink?" "How do sharks find their way?" "Do dolphins cry?" For the question, "Do all cats have fur?" a picture of the hairless Sphynx, which is discussed in the answer, would have been a helpful addition. Each topic is engaging and the information is plentiful. The language is clear and has a friendly tone, and the glossaries are extensive. The many photographs add a lot of interest. These are strong choices for report writers or for recreational reading. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

These easy-to-read books provide a wealth of kid-friendly facts about cats, dogs, and horses. Chapters include information on body language, communication, grooming, and diet. Detailed photographs of the animals in action, clean layouts, and thought-provoking speech-bubble questions make these books accessible for readers curious about animals or the family pet. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind. [Review covers these If You Were A... titles: If You Were a Cat, If You Were a Dog, and If You Were a Horse.] (c) Copyright 2014. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.