In their introduction, authors Bernard Stonehouse and Esther Bertram provide a succinct description of this outstanding title:

This book is about what animals do to keep themselves alive, and how they live as comfortably and efficiently as possible. It covers a wide range of animals, mostly birds and mammals, but reptiles, amphibians, fish, insects, and others, too. Some are familiar, everyday kinds of animals. Others are strange and exotic, and you would be lucky to find them even in zoos.

Divided into five chapters, the book begins with "Starting Out in Life," moves through "Sharing," "Fighting to Live," "Defenses," and ends with "Now You See Me," which explores how animals "show off" as well as hide away and camouflage themselves.

The text is accurate, accessible, and chock full of factual details. The artwork, nearly photo realistic, full of energy and exquisite detail, flows around and through the text. The whole is truly a thing of beauty.

A glossary and index are appended.

Highly recommended. District-wide purchase encouraged.

Reviewed by the teachers at Education Oasis.