Exploring the World of Cougars. Tracy C. Read. Toronto, ON: Annick Press, 2011. 24 pp., pbk. & hc., $6.95 (pbk.), $16.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-55407-956-8 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55407-785-4 (hc.). Subject Heading: Puma-Juvenile literature. Grades 1-4 / Ages 6-9. Review by Trevor Lockhart. **** /4
	Exploring the World of Owls. Tracy C. Read. Toronto, ON: Annick Press, 2011. 24 pp., pbk. & hc., $6.95 (pbk.), $16.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-55407-957-5 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55407-883-7 (hc.). Subject Heading: Owls-Juvenile literature. Grades 1-4 / Ages 6-9. Review by Trevor Lockhart. **** /4
	Exploring the World of Bees. Tracy C. Read. Toronto, ON: Annick Press, 2011. 24 pp., pbk. & hc., $6.95 (pbk.), $16.95 (hc.). ISBN 978-1-55407-955-1 (pbk.), ISBN 978-1-55407-882-0 (hc.). Subject Heading: Bees-Juvenile literature. Grades 1-4 / Ages 6-9. Review by Trevor Lockhart. **** /4

excerpts:

Strong, silent and savvy, the cougar prowls its territory with the grace of a domestic cat and the confidence of an African lion. It quietly combs trails, forests, clearings, and underbrush in its search for prey. After an explosive takedown of a large hoofed mammal, such as a deer or moose, Puma concolor (“cat of one color”) feasts on meat. Then this secretive cat vanishes as if into thin air. Only the remains of the kill and perhaps a paw print or two linger as proof that this long, lean hunter was ever there. (From Exploring the World of Cougars.)

Tracy C. Read has put together an excellent introduction to cougars, owls and bees in these three books. Each book begins with the same first three chapters. A “Meet the Animal” chapter acts as an introduction to the subject. The “Anatomy Lesson” chapter looks at each animal/insect from a physiological perspective and discusses what makes it unique. The “Natural Talents” chapter takes a more in-depth look at the animal/insect in question and its natural abilities that help it survive. The remainder of each book focuses on qualities related to each animal/insect. For example, the cougar book discusses how cougars stalk their prey, the owl book talks about this bird’s family dynamic, and the bee book looks at hive life and the issue of bees as endangered species.

      In addition to the major themes in each chapter, every page is filled with remarkably vibrant colour photographs and little tidbits about each creature. Each book is only 24 pages long, so, although its scope is large (e.g. a look at all owls), there is not a lot of room to go into very much detail. It seems that Tracy C. Read’s intention is not to be exhaustive on each topic but rather to give an interesting and succinct introduction to each creature. While I found the writing level to be a little bit higher than what I’d expect for this level of book, the graphics and layout provide a variety of ways to impart information. Younger readers will love the photography and the “info boxes” while older readers will get more out of the text.

     I was impressed that each book contained a useful index in the back, which, at the very least, will offer kids the opportunity to practice their research skills without getting intimidated.      

Highly Recommended.

Trevor Lockhart is a public librarian in Winnipeg, MB.

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

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Published by The Manitoba Library Association ISSN 1201-9364

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