Sloths (Nature Watch)

Grade 4-6–Johnson's introduction to the American crow is both playful and informative. It begins with a simple map of its range and explains how these birds are similar to and different from other members of the Corvidae family, and then expands into an organized presentation of the bird's life cycle. Young readers will also find an explanation of historical superstition and current human reactions, including the true connection between the crow and the West Nile virus. Report writers will get all the information they need here, including physical features, habitats, and migration. The interesting text is combined with some well-selected but standard color photography, bringing this familiar bird to life. In the second book, two- and three-toed sloths' physical features, habitat, and environmental issues are featured. The well-composed text traces their evolution from prehistoric progenitors to the current day. Their range is pictured on a map from Central America through parts of Argentina and Brazil, but it is not clearly color-coded. One photograph depicts the torturous, painful-looking struggle of the sloth to move along the ground. With its well-captioned, full-color photos on every page and informative text, Sloths offers enough information for solid reports and general interest.–Nancy Call, Santa Cruz Public Libraries, Aptos, CA
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