You Animal!

School Library Journal

Gr 2-4-A series of informational chapters on various animals, loosely connected by how each species is likened in some way to humans. The comparisons are wide-ranging, covering everything from the elephant's social structure to the turtle's shell and the peregrine falcon's amazing flying speed and keen eyesight. The book also includes experiments so that kids can find out more about the creatures (e.g., growing your own slime mold) and how their arm span compares to an orangutan's. Also scattered throughout are profiles of youngsters who work with the creatures discussed. A list of animal and conservation-related groups are appended. Unfortunately, the book tries to cover too much ground in too little space. The human comparisons, supposedly the focus of the book, may provide some interesting tidbits, but add little insight into the animals. Furthermore, the pages are so crammed with insets and sidebars that the main text is often difficult to follow. And, the undistinguished illustrations only serve to add to the confusing clutter. Children who are truly interested in animals and conservation would be better served by many of the other superior titles already on library shelves.-Arwen Marshall, New York Public Library