Koala

November 1, 2022
Welcome to the world of this endearing Australian marsupial. Young readers will learn lots about koalas from zoologist Daniels' lively, fact-packed, well-organized field guide. Koalas are cuddly and adorable, and they're fascinating, complex, and, sadly, endangered as well. From the beginning, the book casts readers in the role of an animal scientist, instructing them in such important matters as the equipment actual koala experts employ to locate and study the creatures in the wild. Children glean essential facts about the koala, including its scientific name, mating habits and reproduction, diet, anatomy, life span, relatives, habitat, and more. Facts are clearly presented, delivered in a conversational tone, with salient information offered up on discrete pages. Additionally, children are helped to differentiate between koalas and bears, for which they are commonly mistaken, and guided to understand the numerous serious environmental threats they face. Some koala myths and legends are even included. The attractive volume features illustrations rather than photographs; koalas and other Australian animals are shown in realistic settings, with text and images set against colored backgrounds. This installment in the Young Zoologist series will be a welcome addition in public and school libraries and will win fans among appreciative animal-loving casual browsers as well as report writers. (This book was reviewed digitally.) A sweet, enjoyable book about an intriguing animal. (glossary, index) (Informational picture book. 5-8)

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February 1, 2023
Grades 2-4 Two new creatures join the well-illustrated Young Zoologist series (2 new titles), which guides readers through the lives and notable features of the spotlighted animals. Each work begins with a short letter from the author (a scholar on the animal in question); a "Fact File" that introduces the animal through scientific details including its habitat, diet, and life span; and a two-page spread sporting a labeled close-up of the animal and key information about it. A "Before You Get Started" spread prepares the young zoologist (aka the reader) for their upcoming adventure in the field, laying out tools necessary for investigating the animal. The bright, semi-realistic artwork could hold these titles up on its own, but the easily digestible facts regarding life cycle, behavior, and conservation make the volumes well rounded. Koalas educates youngsters on Australia's cute, furry tree-dwellers, debunking the common misconception that these marsupials are actually bears; the koala's status as an endangered species and the threats posed by forest fires are also discussed. Each work is pragmatic in addressing the challenges these creatures face while helping aspiring zoologists learn ways to protect animals and their environments.

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