Smart Animals

[Starred review]. The Smart Animals series takes young readers on a journey that is informative and heartwarming as they explore experiments and feats of bravery and compassion among six groups of animals. In 32 pages, the authors give numerous examples depicting how animals are smart and how they survive in their natural habitat. Further, the presentation of each topic is concise and action oriented. Pictures portraying interactions between humans and animals and between animals and animals are displayed in a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns. Boldface type is used to indicate important words, and colorful maps show where the animals live. This format gives readers the opportunity to broaden their horizons and enliven their conversations about animal behavior.The series provides many opportunities for facilitators to develop cooperative learning and interdisciplinary teaching strategies. Process and communication skills can also be enhanced. Relevant data and comparisons of features of animals are found in sections titled “Just the Facts” and “More Smart… [the name of the animals of the title].” A glossary, a bibliography, a section titled “Learn More Online,” and an index and a few facts about the author are also included. Young readers will be fascinated by this series as they discover how smart animals are.

[Starred review]. The Smart Animals series takes young readers on a journey that is informative and heartwarming as they explore experiments and feats of bravery and compassion among six groups of animals. In 32 pages, the authors give numerous examples depicting how animals are smart and how they survive in their natural habitat. Further, the presentation of each topic is concise and action oriented. Pictures portraying interactions between humans and animals and between animals and animals are displayed in a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns. Boldface type is used to indicate important words, and colorful maps show where the animals live. This format gives readers the opportunity to broaden their horizons and enliven their conversations about animal behavior.The series provides many opportunities for facilitators to develop cooperative learning and interdisciplinary teaching strategies. Process and communication skills can also be enhanced. Relevant data and comparisons of features of animals are found in sections titled “Just the Facts” and “More Smart… [the name of the animals of the title].” A glossary, a bibliography, a section titled “Learn More Online,” and an index and a few facts about the author are also included. Young readers will be fascinated by this series as they discover how smart animals are.

Animal intelligence is celebrated through basic facts highlighting the uniqueness of the featured animals as well as anecdotes describing their remarkably “human” behaviors such as communication and empathy…the many color photographs of the animals in nature and interacting with people nicely support the books’ premise. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

Each text aptly demonstrates the intelligence of its subject. Sea lions have been trained by the U.S. Navy to help guard harbors and recover items lost in the oceans. Octopuses are problem-solvers. The texts are easy to follow and understand, and large, clear photographs draw in readers. Each book includes a map showing where the animals can be found, and Octopuses has a handy diagram that labels body parts. This is helpful because in some photographs it’s difficult to see the “beak” and “siphon.” A “Just the Facts” page gives information about the animals’ size, life span, habitat, etc. Both titles are accessible to report writers, browsers, and reluctant readers. Attractive choices.

Did you know that dolphins and chimpanzees recognize themselves in the mirror? Ever heard of a police pig? The Smart Animals series offers vibrant books on intelligent animals. Each book has numerous photos, engaging stories, habitat maps and clearly written information on other animals in their family. For instance, did you know that the orca whale is really a member of the dolphin family? All books include a “Just the Facts” page, table of contents, glossary, bibliography, index, and suggested Web sites for further investigations. This series would be perfect for units on fauna and animal classifications and can be used as research material for elementary students. Teachers in upper grades may find the Web sites and bibliographical information helpful, in addition to the brilliant photos. Recommended.