Tracking Animals — Kirsten Hall

Gr 3-5-Both the physical size and chapter-book format of these titles make them suitable alternatives to fiction for independent reading, especially for students drawn to the little-known curiosities and mysterious phenomena of the natural world. The books offer the fresh perspective of professionals whose fieldwork is related in a close-up, personal way. Each one begins with an introduction followed by four brief yet informative chapters. Mysteries explores on the uncanny abilities of animals such as the loggerhead turtle, which navigates the ocean's magnetic fields to return to its nesting ground. With a focus on dolphins, border collies, mountain lions, and elephants, Encounters considers cooperative endeavors between human and beast as well as risky face-to-face meetings. The use of technology to study the behavior of different animals is the emphasis of Tracking Animals. Graphically pleasing, each title includes full-color photographs of the scientists, the animals, and their surroundings, as well as a map. The current testing environment requires students to articulate the main idea, summarize, and identify key text structures. These books are ideal for mastering nonfiction-reading skills.-Gloria Koster, West School, New Canaan, CT Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.