5/1/04 The Midwest Book Review
Animals fascinate most children and many adults. Their lives and all the surrounding components hold a great interest for me as well. If you or anyone you love feel a deep fascination, respect for, or are drawn to animals, you won't want to miss this series. Although it is designed for children the material is presented in such a way it will hold the attention of readers from all age groups.

 
Animal Survivors of the Wetlands is a heartwarming book, which tells about the animals of the wetlands, that at one point were endangered or even thought extinct. Now they are thriving or well on their way to thriving. The wetlands themselves hold a special meaning to me, as I am a Florida resident and often hear about the everglades. The wildlife success stories covered in this book are: Alligators, Brown Pelicans, Whooping Cranes, Manatees, and the Cranes of Kushiro. All of the profiles are told in a way that makes readers enjoy the species for all of their wonderful characteristics, respect them for their struggles and most important think about what we can do to see to their continued survival. Readers can feel the passion of author Barbara A. Somervill in her words, and coupled with stunning photographs, it makes for an entertaining and powerful read.

 
Animal Survivors of the Artic tells of the struggles faced by the unique animal life in the frozen North. It too tells of survival stories about species that were pushed to endangerment who are or have begun to make a recovery. It is truly fascinating to read of a place and its inhabitants, where due to the extreme low temperatures, are not seen by many. The animals discussed in this book are: Caribou, Ringed Seals, Artic Peregrines, Polar Bears, Fur Seals, Walrus, and Musk Oxen. The lives of these special animals are looked at in a way that provides both fun facts and also a glimpse at the hardships faced by each. Man causes many of the hardships and as readers will discover, the solutions too need to be caused by man. This book is also penned by the passionate Barbara A. Somervill and filled with beautiful and moving artwork.

 
How Animals Play is a book sure to make readers of all ages laugh and smile. The images are simply glorious, showing various types of animals engaged in many different types of play. The book explains in a most entertaining way that as with humans, animals play for the sheer fun of it. In addition to being fun play teaches skills that will be needed for later in life such as, fighting, hunting and mating behaviors. The words of Betty Tatham show her readers that animals and their behavior are very similar to humans when it comes to play, as well as very different. It is important when teaching about nature to get across the message of the beauty these animals bring to the world. This book does an exceptional job of that. To read and look at pictures of such an array of animals and their play behavior is a true blessing.

 
How Animals Communicate lends insight into the numerous ways in which animals communicate with other animals, be it friend or predator. There are several ways that animals can communicate and in this book readers are shown how they use colors, touch, smell, sounds and even tricks to send messages to each other. The messages sent are as various as the ways they are sent, ranging from 'I love you' to 'flee there is danger'. Betty Tatham gives her readers a glimpse into the intricate way animals correspond with each other and the outside world. The bit I found particularly interesting was the last chapter on how animals miscommunicate on purpose. They do so to trick other animals, such as animals that want to eat them or animals they want to eat. No matter what your favorite animal is, this book is a truly interesting read on a fascinating topic and has splendid art.

 
All the books in the series, Books About Animals, have some wonderfully common traits: exceptional writing, stunning photographs, glossary, information on further research and a sources list. To make the most of this learning tool there are words highlighted throughout the text which are found in the glossary. The books are sturdy with hardbound covers, high quality pages and easy to read text. No home or school should be without these books. They grant their readers insight and understanding into the lives of natures many wonderful creatures in a way as fun as it is educational.