Deer

Children's Literature

The “Backyard Animals” series includes nine titles about animals that can be found in cities and town around the country. Butterflies, coyotes, deer, opossums, rabbits, raccoons, skunks, sparrows and squirrels are featured in the series. Each animal is introduced with a large photo and information about where they live and a few characteristics that make them special. A brief history provides information about the development of the species worldwide. A large photograph of the animal provides information about their specific body parts and how they help it survive in nature. The animal’s life cycle and what it eats are illustrated with photographs. Details about where humans are most likely to interact with the featured animal and myths from various cultures make the information more relevant and interesting to young readers. There are over 30 species of deer, including elk, caribou, moose and white-tailed deer. Deer are the only animals with antlers on their heads. Generally it is the males that grow antlers, but not always. Deer live in many different habitats, and their fur changes color with the seasons to protect them from predators. Deer are herbivores. They like to eat herbs, leaves and grass. They will raid farmers’ fields to each corn, wheat and soybeans. Deer have a stomach with four chambers to facilitate digestion. Cherokee Indians have a legend that deer won their antlers in a race with a rabbit. Large photographs and sidebars with factoids make this a nice way to learn about common animals children might see in their neighborhood. Reviewer: Kristin Harris