What is a Bear? (The Science of Living Things). Bobbie Kalman & John Crossingham. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2001. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $7.95 (pbk.), $22.95 (cl.). ISBN 0-86505-960-8 (pbk.), ISBN 0-86505-983-7 (cl.). Subject Heading: Bears-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-5 / Ages 8-10. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	How Do Animals Find Food? (The Science of Living Things). Bobbie Kalman. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2001. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $7.95 (pbk.), $22.95 (cl.). ISBN 0-86505-963-2 (pbk.), ISBN 0-86505-986-1 (cl.). Subject Heading: Animals-Food-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-5 / Ages 8-10. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	What is a Horse? (The Science of Living Things). Bobbie Kalman & Heather Levigne. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2001. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $7.95 (pbk.), $22.95 (cl.). ISBN 0-86505-961-6 (pbk.), ISBN 0-86505-984-5 (cl.). Subject Heading: Horses-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-5 / Ages 8-10. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4
	What are Camouflage and Mimicry? (The Science of Living Things). Bobbie Kalman & John Crossingham. St. Catharines, ON: Crabtree, 2001. 32 pp., pbk. & cl., $7.95 (pbk.), $22.95 (cl.). ISBN 0-86505-962-4 (pbk.), ISBN 0-86505-985-3 (cl.). Subject Headings: Camouflage (Biology)-Juvenile literature. Mimicry (Biology)-Juvenile literature. Grades 3-5 / Ages 8-10. Review by Harriet Zaidman. **** /4

exerpt:

The fastest horse The fastest breed of horse is the quarter horse. Its name comes from its ability to gallop at top speed for a quarter of a mile (1.6 km). Quarter horses often run as fast as 25 miles (40 km) per hour. They also have good reflexes and are able to stop and turn quickly. Thoroughbreds can run longer distances, but they do not usually run faster than 19 miles (30 km) per hour. Still they are the best horses for racing. (What is a Horse?)

These excellent informational interest books, produced under the editorship of Bobbie Kalman, are useful additions to any book collection. Each book covers a subject thoroughly, with chapters such as "Who stole my clothes?" (What are Camouflage and Mimicry?) and "Using echolocation to find food" (How Do Animals Find Food). Humans aren't forgotten in How Do Animals Find Food? which provides information on vegetarianism as well as how the reader can help those who don't have enough food. Website addresses direct the reader to other sources for further information. The consequences of human encroachment and activity upon the natural world are also explained.

     Organized in a standard fashion, children will be able to find information through the table of contents or index. New or unusual words are explained in the glossary ("Words to Know"). Each chapter is replete with pictures and/or drawings with precise explanations to augment the sub-topics. Photographs are brightly coloured close-ups that are well-executed. Drawings are highly accurate.

     These books will be sure to inform and fascinate children. They are useful both as reference books and as general interest books.

Highly Recommended.

Harriet Zaidman is a teacher-librarian 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

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