Why are animals different colors?

Originally published in Spain, this brightly illustrated picture book from the Curious Young Minds series discusses how animals' colors are helpful to them. The book begins and ends with blond-haired siblings Kate and Jack conversing about the topic. Throughout the main part of the book, they appear in many of the appealing line-and-wash illustrations, but the text focuses on conveying information about animals, without mentioning the children. The discussion includes topics such as animal camouflage, warnings, and mimicry. Primary-grade kids who have wondered about the question in the book's title may find the text informative, though the discussion of each animal is limited. The appended Parent Guide offers a more detailed discussion of the topic in a text featuring small type and a dry, academic writing style. For larger collections.--Phelan, Carolyn Copyright 2016 Booklist

PreS-Gr 2-Instructive text and cheerful, cartoonish artwork are well paired in this educational series. Though the works include fictional characters Kate and Jack, who investigate the selected topics, the focus is more on streaming factual material than building a plot. The scope of each book is brief, but the writing is peppered with fascinating tidbits; for instance, in Five Senses readers learn butterflies can taste with their feet. In Animals Live, students are introduced to select places where animals make their homes, such as nests, trees, and the sea, while Different Colors showcases how animals might use color to attract a mate, find food, or defend themselves. The important relationship between the sun and the earth is covered in Weather and Seasons. Each title deftly defines terminology using language appropriate for new learners. The sprightly illustrations add personality, represent a variety of animals and animal habitats, and capture Kate and Jack interacting with animals and their environments. Packaging among the volumes is consistent. Each includes a parents' guide offering more depth to the covered content. VERDICT An additional purchase for libraries with a high demand for science curriculum support materials for preschool and primary students.-Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.