Animals Are Amazing (FAMILY magazine reviews)

Animals of all kinds are a near-magnetic draw for young children. Actually, to be truthful, adults are just as easily tempted by the antics and activities of animals from birds to insects, from fish to reptiles. We humans are as interested in other species as these animal populations are often intrigued with us. Don’t miss a chance to enjoy these non-fiction picture books with the youngsters in your life.

The Nutty Little Vulture 

by Marta Magellan

illustrated by Mauro Magellan

            Little Vulture’s mom offers to teach him how to get his own food. But he’s already off, finding it for himself.

Still learning to fly, he plops on Bald Vulture’s dinner of rotten meat, and after trying it, decides it’s not for him. He doesn’t like the bones that are Bearded Vulture’s dinner either. When he accidentally opens the rotten egg by landing on it, Egyptian vulture thanks him. But after tasting, Little Vulture is again not interested.

Each time the vultures remind him that if they didn’t eat what Little Vulture thinks is yukky - “who would?” Their eating habits help “to keep things neat.”

 The importance of what vultures contribute by eating carrion is emphasized by the repetitive comments in large easy to read text, following each of Little Vulture’s food inspections. Expressive illustrations draw readers into the story. The sister/brother author/illustrator team have combined their talents to share this engaging, environmentally thoughtful picture book.

Back matter includes facts about vultures, a glossary, and references.

    

Eifrig Publishing

$14.99 hardcover, $9.99 paperback

Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 2

Tiger by Suzi Eszterhas

            Author/wildlife photographer Eszterhas has created a captivating nonfiction picture book with elegant photos of cubs with their mother. Set in India, the narrative begins with “hidden treasure” – the tigress returning to her den where three tiny striped babies are protected from danger.

            Told in pictures with accompanying clear and carefully crafted text, readers are introduced to a family who play, eat, and adventure together. Readers discover how the locations of their homes keeps them safe. How they eat, where they sleep, and explore. Additionally, the substance of playtime is learning how to move their bodies.    Emphasizing the importance of waterholes for staying healthy, the author also highlights the young tigers, watching mom as she hunts. Young people will be attracted to the delightful story and enchanting photos of these fascinating animals. The final page includes additional interesting information about tigers in the wild.

           

Frances Lincoln Children’s Books

$15.99 hardcover, $9.99 paperback

Interest Level: Junior Kindergarten – Grade 2

 

Koala by Claire Saxby

illustrated by Julie Vivas

            A young koala must find a new home away from his mother. It is time for him to get his own food. His mother sends him off when her next baby is on the way.

            Later, he is also chased away by another male, endures a rainstorm, and escapes from a snake. Finally, he finds a new tree home in a different location.

            Large text details the koala’s adventures. Informative commentary is in smaller font near the bottom of most pages. Appealing watercolor paintings show the Australian eucalyptus trees where koalas make their homes. Active koalas eating, climbing, and jumping with their hind legs, connect with readers as text and illustrations blend to make an absorbing nonfiction picture book.

            A note at the end provides additional information about koala features, habits and activities. A brief alphabetical index helps readers locate specific details in the book.       

Candlewick Press, $16.99

Interest Level: Kindergarten – Grade 3