Crocodiles ANNOTATION
Discusses the lives of crocodiles, focusing on how they hunt their prey.
FROM THE CRITICS
Children's Literature - Susan Hepler, Ph.D.
Sandra Markle uses the skills she has brought to her many animal books to interest readers in the life of the crocodile, denizen of the Nile River. Markle uses apt comparisons—a baby croc is as big as a baby chicken and grows in size to the length of an average-sized car—and covers what a young reader wants to know. Since crocodiles are known for their teeth, Markle explains how they are replaced when one is lost, and how their jaws work in eating. Vibrant photographs depict the crocodile resting, hunting, and hiding in the water. The photos of the crocodile eating are less bloody than one might expect since the crocodile first drowns an animal before shaking off parts to eat. Photos show the typical prey of crocodiles, some being eaten and some getting away. Questions in a section at the end ask the reader to go back to a certain page and notice features in the illustrations that they may have missed, a good strategy for "looking back," as the section is called. A glossary, a top-notch list of other books and videos to check out, and an index support readers and report writers in this strong entry in the "Animal Predators" series. 2004, Carolrhoda Books, Ages 8 to 12.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-7-A visually dazzling trio in a new series. Dramatic, large-scale color photos perfectly complement the lucid, informative text in each book as it follows the lifestyle and life cycle of the Nile crocodile, an African savanna lion pride, and a gray wolf pack in far North America. Facts on communication, habitat, diet, hunting methods, birth, juvenile development, and social behaviors are included. Each title contains some questions and comments that might be useful to teachers, and lists of excellent books and videos for further consultation. While similar in scope to Seymour Simon's excellent Wolves (HarperTrophy, 1995), Angelika Hofer's attractive The Lion Family Book (S & S, 1991), and Mark Deeble's eye-catching The Crocodile Family Book (Sagebrush, 2000), these handsome titles should still be awarded space on your shelves.-Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Home
