Beluga whales

Enter the fascinating realm of sea creatures in the aptly named series, The World of Ocean Animals (10 titles). Large, gorgeous photos on each spread--plus the occasional map and diagram--draw readers into the ocean habitat and bring them face-to-face with the title animal of each book. Each book's three chapters center on basic animal facts: bodies, life cycle, place in the food chain, and adaptations to survive in the ocean. With sentences that are short but still convey key information, the text strikes a good balance between readability and sparking readers' interest. Schuh presents basic but well-chosen facts. For example, Beluga Whales explains that a beluga's rounded head is called a "melon." With ideas for parents and teachers at the beginning, plus a science-themed activity at the end, these books are well-positioned for educational use, and the interesting facts and compelling photos will keep readers engaged as they learn. A glossary and index round out the back matter.