Invasive Animal Species

July 1, 2016
Grades 3-5 These new books only sometimes live up to their series title, Big Science Ideas. Although each volume introduces a science concept related to animals, it often acts as a loose umbrella topic rather than a truly unifying theme. The majority of each book's space is devoted, instead, to individual examples that are briefly covered in one or two spreads. In Invasive Animal Species, readers learn about animal invaders like the python, zebra mussel, mongoose, and cane toad; however, this title would have benefitted from greater geographic diversity in its examples. Despite a frequent lack of cohesion, the books do offer an overview of generally interesting, useful topics. One special highlight is the many striking photos on the covers and throughout each book.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2016, American Library Association.)