Bobcats (Early Bird Nature Books)

Gr 1-4--Two fine additions to a series that is tops for young readers to share with their caregivers. Bobcats is exceptionally good, written with energy and full of lively, full-color photographs. The place of this small cat in the cat family, comparisons to pet felines, physical attributes, habitat, behavior, hunting skills, and the rearing of the young are all covered in animated narration. Vultures discusses various species and habitats and the niche of these birds in the world, the ways they find and eat their food, and the raising of chicks. A number of photographs are of birds in captivity. Both titles touch on the dangers facing these animals, especially vultures--many species are already extinct while others are severely endangered. Both books have colorful habitat maps (the map of North America in Vultures shows only the range of animals on this continent though a caption indicates that they "live all over the world" and many of the species in the photographs live on other continents). Also included are useful glossaries, discussion-provoking questions at the opening of each chapter, and notes for adults on sharing books and extending the experience across the curriculum.

Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL

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