What Is a Rodent?

Alison Mews is co-ordinator of the Centre for Instructional Services at
Memorial University of Newfoundland.

Like the others books in the The Science of Living Things series, these
seven latest additions contain excellent photographs and use simplified
language to introduce the chosen topics.

The books about specific animals include an illustrated family tree
that lists the types or groups included in the species. Children may be
surprised to learn that beavers and squirrels belong to the rodent
family, or that there are so many marsupials—how many children know
about bandicoots, bilbies, and numbats? The books about individual
species include a few pages each on their major animals, describing
unique physical characteristics, typical behavior, habitats, and, for
amphibians, the life cycle. Generally, the photographs are very
appealing, extremely informative, and often amusing; however, those
showing carnivores eating their bloody prey may upset some children.

The negative impact of humankind on the environment—especially our
dangerous environmental practices—is portrayed in all the books,
except What Is a Dog?, a volume that will be particularly popular with
children because of its engaging photos and general interest to those
who have dogs as pets. They will learn about the different breeds, the
meaning of common canine body language, and many other behavioral
traits. What Is a Marine Mammal? encompasses a variety of species who
depend on the sea for survival. Described are seals, whales, polar
bears, and walruses, among others. There are overlaps with other books
in the series, most notably What Is a Whale? and What Is a Mammal?
(1998), but different photos are chosen and the information is presented
more concisely in this book. What Is a Plant? includes more
illustrations, showing cross-sections and root structures with
identifying labels. Although the visuals are beautifully done, the
information is presented in a drier manner and this book is less likely
than the others to be browsed for pleasure. The volume includes
suggested activities with plants and would be most useful for school
assignments.

While each book provides a table of contents, a glossary, and an index,
it is unfortunate that there is no pronunciation given for difficult
terms. It is also unfortunate that many words appearing in the text in
boldface type are omitted in the glossary. Those flaws aside, these
seven books make excellent introductions to the topics presented. Highly
recommended.