We Work! Animals with Jobs, Bearport Publishing
VANVOORST, Jenny Fretland. Homing Pigeons. ISBN 978-1-61772-900-3; ISBN 978-1-61772-941-6. LC 2013011059.
––––. Pig Detectives. ISBN 978-1-61772-899-0; ISBN 978-1-61772-942-3. LC 2013011053.
––––. Seeing-Eye Dogs. ISBN 978-1-61772-894-5; ISBN 978-1-61772-944-7. LC 2013008477.
––––. Therapy Cats, Dogs, and Rabbits. ISBN 978-1-61772-895-2; ISBN 978-1-61772-945-4. LC 2013008326.
ea vol: 24p. (We Work! Animals with Jobs Series). further reading. glossary. index. photos. reprods. websites. Bearport. 2013. lib. ed. $21.32; ebk. $21.32.
K–Gr 3—Brief texts and clear, short sentences make these titles accessible to emerging readers.Facts about the animals’ particular skills, physical attributes, and training are included. The audience is introduced to the likes of Jake the truffle-sniffing pig, Ace the homing pigeon, Buster the police horse, and Rex the acting dog. Large, colorful photos, many of them action shots, add interest. Words that might be new to readers are set off in bold font and defined in a picture glossary. Informative captions clarify pictures and concepts without breaking up the texts. These are solid choices for browsers and beginning report writers. —School Library Journal
The Science of Life, ABDO Publishing
VANVOORST, Jenny Fretland. Animal Classification. ISBN 9781624031571. LC 2013031884.
––––. Ecosystems. ISBN 9781624031595. LC 2013031909.
ea vol: 48p. (The Science of Life Series). bibliog. further reading. glossary. illus. index. photos. websites. ABDO. 2014. lib. ed. $32.79.
Gr 5–8—This series examines the incredible diversity of life through a variety of disciplines. Many informational sidebars, explanatory diagrams, and stunning full-page photos with captions are integrated into the text and bring the concepts to life. One-page synopses provide several examples of current scientific studies and possible career choices. This series promotes deep thinking and should assist youngsters in making new connections. For instance, “Straight to the Source” provides one-page primary sources of historical importance and then asks readers to engage in learning activities, such as adapting the source for modern audiences, supplying evidence from text, or identifying big questions. Other sections make readers “Stop and Think” by offering additional questions to ponder or by asking them to compare and contrast textual evidence with select web content. A strong set of titles. —School Library Journal
Space Explorers, Jump!, Inc.
VANVOORST, Jenny Fretland. Artificial Satellites. ISBN 9781620314128; ISBN 9781624964596.
––––. Rockets. ISBN 9781620314142; ISBN 9781624964619.
––––. Rovers. ISBN 9781620314159; ISBN 9781624964626.
––––. Space Stations. ISBN 9781620314135; ISBN 9781624964602.
––––. Spacecraft. ISBN 9781620314166; ISBN 9781624964633.
ea vol: 24p. (Space Explorer). glossary. index. photos. websites. Jump!/Pogo. Aug. 2016. lib. ed. $25.65. ebk. $17.95.
Gr 2–5—Brief but filled with insightful details,this set introduces readers to the vehicles that travel through space, collecting data and sending it back to scientists on Earth for analysis. Stunning photos give the audience a comet’s-eye view of not only the various space machines but also of Earth, flipping the perspective from “looking up at the stars” to “looking down at the planet.” Vibrant shades of blues, greens, and whites, such as those found in the satellite image of a Gulf Coast hurricane, are breathtaking (Artificial Satellites), and the up close and personal views of the vehicles allow readers to feel as if they are right next to these amazing pieces of technology. “Did You Know?” sidebars provide additional visual interest and info, while the “Try This!” activity located at the conclusion of each volume gives budding astronauts tangible, real-world applications that reinforce the content. VERDICT: Space enthusiasts and students curious about the cosmos will gravitate to this high-interest series. —School Library Journal