Giant pandas

Gr 2-4-This well-designed set is a commendable introduction to six Asian animals-both familiar, such as tigers, and lesser-known, such as sloth bears. Each book starts off with a general introduction to Asia (which includes a spread that highlights geographical and cultural facts about the continent) and the subject animal. Chapters cover physical attributes, diets, habits, young, and more. Each book closes with information about the creature's survival. "Take a Closer Look" sections are written in a particularly lively style. Sidebars highlight unusual or interesting facts (e.g., "Giant pandas sometimes eat grasses, fruits, birds, rodents, or dead animals."), but do not interfere with the focus of the main text. Captioned color photos illustrate each spread. Back matter includes a page of additional facts. (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Each volume features basic facts about physical attributes, diet, habitat, and social structures of the featured animal. The texts are choppy but easy to read, and captioned photographs of varying quality are punctuated with interesting sidebars; maps intended to show the animals' region of habitation lack detail. Overall the books deliver adequate introductions. Glos., ind. [Review covers these Asian Animal titles: Giant Pandas, Gibbons, and Orangutans.] (c) Copyright 2013. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.