Squirrels and Their Nests FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Denise Daley
The characteristics and habits of squirrels are described in this easy informational book. Large print and frequent repetition make this book ideal for early readers. There are ten to twenty words per page and the bright full-page photographs support the reader's understanding of the text. There is a simple table of contents that features chapters on topics such as squirrels building a home, sticks nests, and dens. There is also a glossary, index/word list, and list of book sources for additional information. The recommended Internet site gives the reader access to the "facthound" database. The information provided in this book supports national standards related to life science, further adding to its value and appeal. It is part of the "Animal Homes" series. 2005, Capstone Press, Ages 5 to 7.
School Library Journal
PreS-Gr 2-These visually attractive titles feature large-print text on pale colored backgrounds paired with appealing, full-color photographs of animals in their natural habitats. The writing is straightforward, with word repetition and simple sentence structure making the texts accessible to beginning readers. One or two lines appear on each spread: e.g., "Prairie dogs stay safe in burrows. Burrows are good homes for prairie dogs." The books don't stray far from the given focus of an animal and its home, describing the various types, contents, and purposes of each dwelling. Useful glossaries highlight words that may need further definition. A publisher-supported Web-based search engine guides students to age- and content-appropriate sites. While they are adequate additions to existing animal collections, these books shouldn't be the exclusive source of information on the topics.-Jody Kopple, Shady Hill School, Cambridge, MA Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.
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