Discovering Squirrels

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4 Each of these books contains excellent color photos from Oxford Scientific Films and has a nicely arranged text subdivided into chapters and sections to aid student research. The texts are well written and liberally sprinkled with fascinating facts. Discovering Rats and Mice covers all aspects of the rodents' natural history, problems as pests, and importance as pets and lab animals. There is one minor error: ``gerbils are always the same sandy color.'' Rats and Mice (Lothrop, 1968; o.p.) by Alvin and Virginia Silverstein presents much the same material, but for older readers. Discovering Flowering Plants includes information on reproduction, adaptions, and enemies. Unfortunately, the chapter on the parts of a flower is marred by omission of any mention of the term pistal, the entire female part of the flower. Flowers and Flowering Plants (Watts, 1976; o.p.) by Arthur Aldrich is similar in scope but is illustrated with drawings, not photos. Discovering Squirrels covers the natural history and habits of squirrels, as well as how they may be considered pests. Squirrels (Dutton, 1978; o.p.) by Joe Van Wormer is also a good introduction, although Van Wormer's photos are black and white and the text is not divided into chapters. Barbara B. Murphy, Shaler Area School District Libraries, Pittburgh