Why Don't Polar Bears Have Stripes?

School Library Journal

K-Gr 3-These books are funny, informative, and attractive. In each one, a question appears on a spread along with an often-silly photo that has been altered to reflect the inquiry. For example, "Why don't tigers have spots?" is paired with a photo of a tiger with a solid brown coat sprinkled with pastel-colored dots. The next spread shows the animal with its stripes, explains the concept of camouflage, and offers interesting tidbits about tigers' coats. Asking questions of this sort and showing the animal looking or behaving out of character lends humor to these factual books. The texts deal with appropriate anatomical and behavioral features of their subjects, discussing diet, appearance, distinguishing behaviors and physical traits, and offspring. The pages with the answers have varied designs, with some text within colored blocks or circles, or superimposed on the photos. The images are close-up, clear, and colorful. "Profile" spreads give pertinent facts about each creature along with a globe and map showing its range. Unfortunately, country boundaries are not indicated. Containing enough details for primary-grade reports, these well-rounded introductions are serviceable, satisfying purchases.-Lynda Ritterman, Atco Elementary School, Waterford, NJ Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.