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School Library Journal

Gr 5-6 Antlers and horns and the animals that ``wear'' them are introduced in several short chapters. Elk, deer (both mule and white-tailed), moose, bison, bighorn sheep, mountain goats and pronghorns are all shown in beautiful color photographs and discussed in rather broad, general terms. The physiological differences between horns and antlers are described in some detail, and there is some explanation of ways in which the different animals use these body parts to ensure their survival. Information about physical characteristics, behavior, breeding and raising of the young is varied and often sketchy. In his attempt ``to invite the reader to enter into the landscape occupied by each animal,'' Hirschi begins each chapter with an admiring description of the setting; readers are given a ``sense'' of grasslands, mountains, seasons, hawks circling, etc., but no mention is made of the specific states in which these animals are found. All of these particular species are well covered in informative single-animal accounts for children. The exceptionally attractive pictures and the central concept make this survey potentially useful where additional material is wanted. Margaret Bush, Simmons College, Boston