Skunks. (Kids Can Press Wildlife Series). Adrienne Mason. Illustrated by Nancy Gray Ogle. Toronto, ON: Kids Can Press, 2006. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $7.95 (pbk.), $14.95(cl.). ISBN 978-1-55337-734-4 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55337-733-7 (cl.). Subject Heading: Skunks-Juvenile literature. Kindergarten-grade 5 / Ages 5-10. Review by Janice Foster. **** /4

excerpt:

Skunk homes

Skunks live in homes called dens. Dens are where skunks rest and hide from enemies. A den can be a burrow in the ground, a hollow tree, a ditch, a rock pile or even a small space under a building.

Skunks, part of the "Kids Can Press Wildlife Series," is a clearly written information resource for young readers on an animal that arouses curiosity. The book's format provides a balance of textual information, illustrations and fact boxes which doesn't overwhelm the younger researcher. Skunks contains a clear, specific table of contents, a useful index and a glossary (Words to Know). Its layout is attractive, and the larger font makes the text easier to read. Information on each of 14 different topics, such as food and defence, is provided on a colourful, well illustrated double page spread. The inclusion of Skunk Fact boxes provides the reader with interesting pieces of information which children find fascinating. Nancy Gray Ogle's watercolour illustrations both complement and enhance the textual information. The design of Skunks enables the reader to learn about this interesting animal by connecting textual information to visual information in a kid-friendly way. Since many children encounter this often misunderstood animal over the summer months, the pages on "Skunks and people" and "Skunk signs" provide practical information which children can use in their own lives.

     Skunks is a useful addition both to school and personal libraries. Although designed for younger elementary readers, it is an excellent resource for ESL students as well.

Highly Recommended.

Janice Foster is a teacher-librarian at Henry G. Izatt Middle School in Winnipeg, MB.

To comment on this title or this review, send mail to cm@umanitoba.ca.

Copyright © the Manitoba Library Association. Reproduction for personal use is permitted only if this copyright notice is maintained. Any other reproduction is prohibited without permission.

Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

Hosted by the University of Manitoba.

 

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