These titles explore the working relationships between people and animals. Images and brief text depict real people, animals, and agencies. Photos vary from small to full page and sometimes are also used to recap information. Maps, “Furry Facts” boxes, and graphs add further information. The main text concludes with a “How Can You Help?” list of follow-up ideas (such as letting others know about the importance of spaying and neutering pets or starting a food drive to raise money for a local animal shelter). With its focus on career options, People Who Care for Animals may appeal to kids with aspirations to work with animals. Designed to work with the Common Core Literacy objectives, each title lists pre- and post-reading activities, including a “Show What You Know” list of questions. Some awkward phrasing mars these books, and a few potentially unfamiliar terms go undefined.
VERDICT Overlook the small problems, and these titles may be useful to adults working with animal-loving youth.
