Cougar

November 1, 2012

Gr 3-5-This set highlights some of the lesser-known animals with whom we share our country. While students may have some familiarity with cougars, they are less likely to have heard of the other creatures. Each volume starts with a high-interest story and goes on to describe its subject's habitat, physical traits, diet, and family. Engaging narratives are interspersed with numerous captioned color photos and text boxes. The vocabulary is rich. For example, Jaguarundi introduces the concept of extirpation and Cougar discusses expansion. The habitat loss that threatens each of these species is a common topic, and the tone encourages a thoughtful approach toward the environment.

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

January 1, 2013
Beginning with a brief account of a human encounter with each animal, these books feature double-page spreads offering accurate, readable information about such topics as habitat, food, behavior (including raising young), prey, and threats. IIlustrations--mostly photos--are well matched to the texts, which are clear about known facts and also unknowns, such as jaguarundis' presence in the U.S. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

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