Animals of North America provides an in-depth look into ten native North American animals. Each book introduces readers to the life, diet, habitat, behavior, and physical description of the animal. Vivid photographs and visual aids, such as a range map, life cycle diagram, and body features diagram, aid readers in learning. A special reading feature at the end of each book asks readers to reflect on the topic and expand on their newly learned knowledge.

Select a title below to find educator resources, including lesson plans, curriculum correlations, resource links, and book-related downloadables.

School Library Connection, October 1, 2017

“This very readable and interesting series proves that factual information doesn’t have to be boring. An exceptional addition to children’s nonfiction collections.” — School Library Connection

Booklist, May 15, 2017

Utilizing straightforward and informative text with a sprinkling of “Fun Facts,” the Animals of North America series introduces American wildlife to elementary-school readers. Though not identically organized, each volume uses four brief chapters to describe an animal’s diet, habitat and range, physical traits and adaptations, social disposition (solitary versus group living), and life cycle. Most chapters dive straight into their topic of choice and then add supporting details. For example, the chapter “Sensing and Stalking Prey” in American Alligators tells how alligators’ superb hunting skills are tied to their keen eyesight, hearing, and sense of smell. The chapter “Made for Water” in American Beavers notes several useful adaptations for their aquatic lifestyle, including transparent eyelids and watertight flaps that cover their ears and nostrils. Caribou’s “Built to Survive” section explains how this tundra dweller’s hollow hair helps it stay warm in freezing temperatures as well as float while swimming. The chapter “Silent, Speedy Predator” in Mountain Lions attributes the mountain lion’s hunting prowess to the independent movement of its ears, plus its speed, strength, and stealth. With a clean, spacious design, a typical spread pairs accessible text with a large photo, diagram, or map. Each book also includes a short quiz in the back matter, making these books appropriate learning tools for the classroom or research projects. —Miriam Aronin

School Library Journal/Series Made Simple, April 2017

Accessible overviews of North American animals. Coverage includes habitats, physical features, life cycles, and key behaviors, each presented in straightforward language with plentiful, if unexciting, photographs. Each title includes several “Fun Fact” insets and one “That’s Amazing” feature that focuses on a notable trait. Double spacing and clean layouts, along with a consistent reading level and content that is not too challenging, make the books accessible to middle elementary readers. A range map and a life cycle diagram are useful; there’s also a quiz to check reading retention and critical thinking. The photos are mostly full body, still shots. Perhaps a few close-ups or action scenes might have been more visually engaging. VERDICT Solid overviews worth considering for subject coverage where needed.