Weasels

Children's Literature - Janice DeLong

In four brief chapters, the beginning reader will learn basic information about these slinky mammals, and perhaps be encouraged to read aloud to others about them. From physical description through habitat, predators, adaptive responses, and diet, facts about these carnivorous hunters are stated simply and in brief sentences easily mastered by emergent readers. Full page photographs demonstrate textual data in seasonal colors. Described as hunters, weasels are shown carrying off prey in their mouths, and pilfering eggs from a bird nest. Young readers may be alarmed at the pictures of prey in the teeth of weasels. The photography is wonderfully realistic, but as that is a positive element for adults, it may also be negative for the preschool audience. Special features include a six-word glossary, a suggested reading list, and the recommended website, www.factsurfer.com, with instructions on how to find more information about the small hunters. This title is noted to be at level one in the "Blastoff! Readers" program. It is also a part of the "Backyard Wildlife" series. This title is recommended with the above stated reservations for school and home libraries as well as in any unit study of wild animals in forest, field, or farmland. Reviewer: Janice DeLong