Aye-Ayes and Wolverines and Komodo Dragons... Oh My!

Okay, so that does not really work, but still....

Our studies have been on these animals, so that is what we have been reading about. While we have piles (I mean piles- I took my boys with me to the library) of books on these animals- I will just review our favorites.


Uncommon Animals: Aye-Aye An Evil Omen-
In spite of the title, this book is actually about a very sweet little primate. While my boys enjoyed the book in general (Mark said he learned lots of cool Aye-Aye facts), it is the photos that knocked our socks off- truly amazing. There are also little fact boxes on each page (in addition to the text), a glossary that defines all of the bold lettered words, an Aye-Aye fact page, a "more interesting animals" page, and some book recommendations.

Skunks and Their Relatives (a Zoobook)-
While it has just a two page layout on the wolverines that we are studying, this book introduces the reader/listener to lots of animals from the mustelid family (that wolverines are a part of). I happen to love Zoobook's magazines and books, and this one is no exception. With great photographs, interesting drawings, and packed full of information, this book was really enjoyable to read to my boys.
                      
Not just about Komodo Dragons- this book explores 11 other animal mysteries as well. These stories were originally published in Highlights for Children Magazine. The inside book flap description states "In his warm, personal style, Jack Myers shows that science is much more than a collection of facts". I would agree- this book is a very interesting account of what could otherwise be dry facts. I read this book to my boys, but this would also be a great book for a 9 to 12 year old to read on his (or her) own.

Komodo by Peter Sis-
This book is adorable, and while it was perhaps a bit on the youngish side for James (7yo), he enjoyed it. This quote from amazon.com that does much more justice to the illustrations that I can- The book's true richness, though, lies in its illustrations--watercolors given texture by fine pen-and-ink hatching--which are almost as lush as the Indonesian landscape itself. I wholeheartedly agree! This is a fiction picture book, but it does include many Komodo Dragon facts as well.


31 read
169 to go

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Also read:

Komodo Dragon by Edana Eckart-
A very short yet informative book. James easily read this to me which was fun for him. Many animal books, no matter how simple, have difficult words just due to the nature of the subject. Adding to the coolness factor for him- real photos of Komodo Dragons.

Komodo Dragons by Jason Glaser
James could not quite read this one by himself, but we enjoyed reading it together. More great photos and lots (and lots) of interesting facts. Includes an "amazing facts" page, a glossary, book suggestions, and internet links through fact hound using the a special code for the book.

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