Kangaroos. (Amazing Animals). Anna Rebus. Calgary, Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2007. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-59036-393-0. Subject Heading: Kangaroos-Juvenile literature. Grades 2-5 / Ages 7-10. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	Jaguars. (Amazing Animals). David Huntrods. Calgary, Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2007. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-59036-392-2. Subject Heading: Jaguar-Juvenile literature. Grades 2-5 / Ages 7-10. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	Great White Sharks. (Amazing Animals). Barbara Balfour. Calgary, Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2007. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-59036-391-4. Subject Heading: White shark-Juvenile literature. Grades 2-5 / Ages 7-10. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	Gorillas. (Amazing Animals). Michael de Medeiros. Calgary, Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2007. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-59036-390-6. Subject Heading: Gorilla-Juvenile literature. Grades 2-5 / Ages 7-10. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	Giant Pandas. (Amazing Animals). Don Cruickshank. Calgary, Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2007. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-59036-389-2. Subject Heading: Giant panda-Juvenile literature. Grades 2-5 / Ages 7-10. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	Bald Eagles. (Amazing Animals). Arlene Worsley. Calgary, Weigl (Distributed by Saunders Book Company), 2007. 24 pp., cloth, $22.95. ISBN 1-59036-388-4. Subject Heading: Bald eagle-Juvenile literature. Grades 2-5 / Ages 7-10. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4

excerpt:

Gorillas beat their chest when they are excited, angry, or frightened. They also stand on their hind legs and make hooting noises. Chest beating is used to communicate with other animals. Gorillas beat their chest by cupping their hands, making a loud noise. After beating their chest, they tear up all the plants and ground around them. Gorillas will then thump the ground with their open palms. (From Gorillas.)

The "Amazing Animals" series by Weigl Publishers is full of interesting, useful information for young children. The books include bright photographs of the beautiful and unusual mammals as well as charts that detail the important stages in the development of each species.

     The books are written in a lively fashion for the target age group, using clear language. The back of the title advises young readers about the basic content of each volume and that websites recommended for further reference were only accurate at the time of publication. The text is divided into two-page chapters about topics that satisfy a child's curiosity - from general introduction and description to habitat, diet, territory and threats. A map shows where they live and how their range has changed over different periods of time. A chapter entitled "Myths and Legends" recalls traditional stories that reflect the role of these animals in early societies:

People who lived in Fiji once believed that the son of their god was a shark named Dekuwaqa. He was also name Daucina, which means giver of light. It was believed that its body lit up at night to help guide the Fijians when they went to war. (From Great White Sharks.)

     The same chapter in Gorillas also addresses notions that persist, including the story of the Yeti, supposedly a variety of gorilla, in the Himalayan Mountains.

Some people believe that the mysterious creature called the yeti is actually a large, gorilla-like animal. In 1960, Sir Edmund Hillary, a New Zealand explorer, began a journey to find the yeti. Hillary discovered giant footprints near the top of Mount Everest. He was unable to prove the yeti existed. In North America, similar creatures have been called Bigfoot or sasquatch.

     A short quiz at the end of each book is followed by the street addresses of organizations that advocate for the protection of species and the environment, such as the World Wildlife Federation. Teachers can use this as a tool to teach letter-writing skills.

      A brief glossary of words that have been bolded in the text and an index are found at the end of each book.

      Children will be able to read these books independently, and they will also find that the well-organized information will make their first research assignments successful projects.

Highly Recommended.

Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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