Zoology

December 21, 2004

Past Episodes

Here you'll find a list of zoology books reviewed by Science Librarian.org: http://www.librarians.info/CSBR/zoology.html

The Smithsonian Institute's selected information about Mollusks contains references to many children's books. http://www.si.edu/resource/faq/nmnh/mollusk1.htm

frog

Bonnett Wexo, John. Endangered Animals (Zoobooks Series) Wildlife Education, Ltd. (October, 2001. ISBN: 0937934119.

This book doesn't cut corners-it is very specific about what animals are endangered and why. But it is also very specific about how kids can help, encouraging them to learn, conserve, and become involved in their community.

Charman, Andy. I Wonder Why the Dodo Is Dead. Kingfisher; 1st ed edition (September 1, 1996). ISBN: 0753450143.

Answers questions about extinct animals and animals in danger of becoming extinct, with a focus on reasons for endangerment and conservation efforts. Ages 4-8.

Claridge, Edward and Betty Ann Milligan. Animal Signatures. NSM/Nimbus 1992.

A handy field guide that teaches how to recognize and interpret animal signs - the tracks, droppings, and nibbled twigs that animals leave behind.

Dobson, David and James M. Needham. Can We Save Them?: Endangered Species of North America. Charlesbridge Publishing (March 1, 1997).ISBN: 0881068225.

From School Library Journal
This introduction to endangered species spotlights a dozen North American animals and wildflowers that are bordering on extinction. The well-organized text keeps readers focused on individual species by repeatedly asking the question, "Can we save the...?" The full-color, double-spread format works well: the text on the verso gives facts about an animal, its habitat, and reasons it is disappearing, while the recto describes ways in which people are working to protect the species and what youngsters can do to help them. A wide cross section of climates and habitats is presented, as is a variety in species including insects, reptiles, birds, and mammals. One double-page spread is devoted to wildflowers. The colorful illustrations reflect natural habitats and enhance the presentation without overpowering it. Dobson's writing is generally clear and factual although he occasionally digresses with statements such as "Homo sapiens are kind of funny looking" and that wildflowers "all share one thing?they have silly-sounding names." An additional choice for youngsters looking to expand their understanding of the interrelatedness of all living things. Diane Nunn, Richard E. Byrd Elementary School, Glen Rock, NJ
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc. Grade 1-3?

Doris, Ellen, and Len Rubenstein. Invertebrate Zoology. (Real Kids/Real Science Books). Thames & Hudson (June 1, 1993). ISBN: 0500190054.

butterfly From School Library Journal:
Learning about nature through firsthand observation is the focus of these fascinating, well-organized titles. The books offer experiments, activities, and suggestions for field trips and collecting specimens. Invertebrate Zoology outlines ways to identify and study such species as earthworms, leeches, sponges, crayfish, etc., each within its specific habitat. Among the projects discussed in Marine Biology are setting up a saltwater aquarium, shell collecting, exploring a salt marsh, and starting a pressed seaweed collection or herbarium. Copious full-color photographs of the highlighted animal and plant life and of students at the Children's School of Science at Woods Hole, Massachusetts, on their investigational excursions are instructive and make the discussions all the more meaningful. Common-sense safety advice and addresses of biological supply companies are provided. These series entries are excellent resources-especially for classroom projects. Elizabeth Shepherd's No Bones (Macmillan, 1988) and Peter Loewer's The Inside-Out Stomach (Atheneum, 1990) are good sources about invertebrates but lack experiments or activities.
Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukee,
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. Grade 5-9

Kalman, Bobbie. How do Animals Adapt? (The Science of Living Things). Crabtree Publishing Company (March 1, 2000). ISBN: 0865059578.

Certain sea slugs have developed a remarkable defensive adaptation-they can use the stinging cells of the sea anemones they eat to protect themselves. Whether adapting over millions of years or in the blink of an eye, How Do Animals Adapt? examines the ever-changing world of animals. Children will thrill at discovering: why animals need to adapt, animals that can "see" using sounds, how animals use camouflage and mimicry to protect themselves, how wild animals have adapted to habitat loss and learned to live in cities.

Kalman, Bobbie, and John Cunningham. What are Camouflage and Mimicry? (The Science of Living Things). Crabtree Publishing Company (March 1, 2001). ISBN: 0865059624.

In the animal world, the easiest way to avoid being eaten is to avoid being seen. What are Camouflage and Mimicry? examines animals that use unique colorization and patterns to avoid predators-or to sneak up on prey! Some are virtually impossible to see.

Parker, Steve, Graham Rosewarne. Do Animals Need Umbrellas?. Benchmark Books (NY) (June 1, 1997). ISBN: 0761404953.
Ages 9-12

Pringle, Laurence P. The Scholastic Encyclopedia Of Animals. Norbert Wu Scholastic; (August 1, 2001). ISBN: 0590522531. meercats

This encyclopedia highlights a variety of 140 animals. Most of the animals featured are common to kids¹ experience, whether found in their neighborhoods or at the zoo. With spectacular photographs of each animal and a discussion of physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats, this is a fascinating and useful reference for any child interested in the animal kingdom.

Pringle, Laurence P. Strange Animals, New to Science. Marshall Cavendish Corporation (April 1, 2002). ISBN: 0761450831.

Confronting an alarming rate of manmade destruction of wildlife habitats, scientists are rushing to discover new animal and plant species. Renowned science writer Laurence Pringle takes young readers across the world in the company of these dedicated men and women, who are determined to record on paper what they may be helpless to preserve in reality. They will visit Brazil, where they'll happen upon a new species of bird whose nest lies within sight of a major highway. In Romania, they'll explore a cave, where they'll find not one but thirty new animal species. And occasionally they will even find a species thought extinct. By the end of their travels, these same readers will have been made aware, both through the engaging text and full-color photographs, of the urgent need to protect the wilderness--before it really is too late.

Robinson, Phippil T. Life at the Zoo: Behind the Scenes with the Animal Doctors. Columbia University Press (September 30, 2004). ISBN: 0231132484.

Zoos are the most popular attractions in the U.S., with attendance that annually outstrips all major professional sports combined. As Robinson, former director of veterinary services at the San Diego Zoo, states, caring for animals in a zoological park is a blend of art, science, and pragmatism. Zoos are still evolving from their bad old menagerie days, and the zoo profession has undergone major transformations in the past 30 years. The author has framed his treatise on the housing and care of zoo animals with his experiences in the profession, and the result is an intimate look at how animal exhibits are designed, how the animals are cared for, and how illness is detected in animals that want to hide any weakness. Enlivened with animal anecdotes, profiles of eccentric zoo staff, and stories he says are "better kept to myself," the author entertains while educating the reader. A well-annotated bibliography completes an excellent introduction to the zoo world that belongs in all libraries. Nancy Bent
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

blue tail Settel, Joanne. Exploding Ants : Amazing Facts About How Animals Adapt. Atheneum; 1st ed edition (April 1, 1999) ISBN: 0689817398.

From small worms that live in a dog's nose mucus to exploding ants to regurgitating mother gulls, this book tells of the unusual ways animals find food, shelter, and safety in the natural world. If animals all ate the same things and lived in the same places, it would be impossible for all of them to survive. So they specialize. Some animals eat the bits that others leave behind, such as skin and mucus. They find all kinds of unusual places to shelter, including the cracks and holes in another creature's skin or its internal organs. They use their own bodies to protect themselves from predators by imitating unsavory items such as bird droppings and even by blowing up. These habits that may seem disgusting to us are wonderful adaptations that make it possible for a great variety of creatures to live and thrive on Earth. Read about them and marvel at the amazing ways animals adapt to the natural world.

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