Mammals

Children's Literature

This title from the "True Book" series exposes children to the behavior, physical characteristics, diet, habitat, and life cycles of mammals. The ''Facts on Food'' chapter includes information on the benefits of milk's ingredients to babies while the ''Mammals that Break the Rules'' section spotlights marsupials. A minimum of one color photograph appears in each double-page spread. Captions, which for the most part provide information beyond the text, accompany the photographs. Readers can learn more about mammals using the books and websites of organizations listed in the ''To Find Out More'' section. Stewart, who holds degrees in biology and science and environmental journalism, dedicates the last chapter to humans. It is in this segment that some adults will find instances of where the author blurs fact with opinion. The following statement illustrates this point: "Because humans have very large brains, they have developed machines that help them do jobs faster and easier." In closing, the author writes, "We cannot live without all of the other animals that share our planet." Though this sentence may cause some to raise their eyebrows, it could serve as a springboard for a discussion involving children in the upper end of the target audience. A glossary explains key words while an index incorporates a handy feature: the use of boldface to indicate pages on which illustrations appear. This book rates as an introductory text, rather than a comprehensive one, for teaching children about the subject. 2001, Children's Press/Grolier Publising Co,
— Carol-Ann Hoyte <%ISBN%>0516259520