Animal Families, Animal Friends »

This charming book teaches readers about the many funny and fascinating relationships found in nature, using the familiar concepts of family, friends, and neighbors. Luminescent, realistic paintings and simple text make this an inviting introduction to animal communities and cooperation.

School Library Journal

Gr 1-3-This title explores three different types of relationships within the animal kingdom: parent-and-child interactions (beavers, penguins, dolphins, loons); family group or pack behaviors (wolves, elephants, Canada geese, bees); and larger animal communities (caribou, robins, prairie dogs, chimpanzees). Each spread covers one type of animal and is illustrated with an attractive watercolor painting, mostly done in soft muted hues with a few shots of bright, vibrant color and lots of detail. The writing style is rather dry but will hold the interest of children who are studying animal habitats. Pair it with Marilyn Singer's Prairie Dogs Kiss and Lobsters Wave: How Animals Say Hello (Holt, 1998) for science units on the topic.-Heather Ver Voort, Washington West Elementary, Olean, NY Copyright 2005 Reed Business Information.