Young aspiring pet owners looking for something a little out of the ordinary will find plenty of inspiration and realistic guidance in these entries in the You Have A Pet What?! series. Bearded Dragon offers tips on body language, care, and feeding of these friendly reptiles, which are considered "one of the best lizard pets." The adorable photos of fuzzy-nosed creatures in Miniature Donkey might catapult them to the top of pet wish lists, but be prudent: these animals require companionship and lots of room, and they can live for decades. Pygmy Goat emphasizes the playfulness of these pets as well as their extensive hygiene and...

Basic information about reptiles. Spreads feature one or two sentences and one photograph. Facts are limited to a mere handful, which works for the intended audience. Simple comprehension challenges are included with the text. For example, after reading that “Reptiles are cold blooded” and “Snakes are reptiles,” readers are asked: “Are they cold blooded?” This pattern, used four times per book offers learning potential, but can disrupt narrative flow. A final page applies this logic sequence to kids: “You have bones and muscles. Are you a reptile?” Some facts are broad and simplified with the age level in mind; though...

In this straightforward series, young kids are introduced to four different manifestations of modern families—adoption, divorce, multigenerational, and single parent resulting from a deceased family member. Each title focuses upon the bonding activities that make each family’s dynamic unique. Lively cartoon illustrations that are eye-catching and appealing enhance the stories, which are told from a child’s perspective. Though unapparent from the outset, multiculturalism plays a large role, with each book representing a different ethnicity. Helpful tips for caregivers and educators aiming to strengthen children’s knowledge and vocabulary are provided in the introductory material, as are useful activities to extend learning...

Learning to cope with changing emotions can be difficult for children. Through quirky, colorful drawings; simple writing; and familiar situations, these titles illustrate four basic feelings youngsters are sure to be well acquainted with (anger at not getting one’s way, fear during a frightening thunderstorm, etc.). Each circumstance presents the protagonist reacting in a cartoonish but believable way. While many books on emotions overlook empathy, this series incorporates it into each story by recognizing that other characters are capable of feeling similarly. With each scenario comes resolution and the reinforcement that feeling are fleeting and do not last forever. Pre-...

Stories of paranormal oddities and strange happenings are undeniably fascinating, and these installments in the Yikes! It’s Haunted series spotlight a horde of spine-tingling legends. The stories in Haunted Objects feature dolls, furniture, mirrors, and art, such as copies of a distinctive painting that were found unharmed in the burning remains of several houses. Haunted Ships, Planes, and Cars describes several historical disasters and the legendary tales of hauntings that circulated in their wakes, including a spooky tale of the car James Dean was driving when he died and the race-car driver who was killed while operating a vehicle containing salvaged parts from the...