Animals at Work: How Animals Build, Dig, Fish and Trap (Animal Behavior) - Softcover

Etta Kaner is a retired elementary school teacher and writer for both children and educators. Her children's books have won numerous awards, including the Silver Birch Award, the Scientific American Young Readers Book Award and the Science in Society Book Award. She lives in Toronto, Ontario.

Pat Stephens, mother, animal lover and artist, lives in a crowded house in Durham, Ontario. She has illustrated over 20 animal-related books for children.

Grade 2-4-Seven chapters focus on the survival techniques of several animals, ranging from the common honeybee to the yellowhead jawfish, briefly discussing their shelters, methods of gathering food, or mating rituals. Kaner piques readers' curiosity with catchy section headings and by asking questions. Each of the chapters includes at least one related activity requiring readily available materials. "All in knots," for example, illustrates how to tie three different knots used by the weaverbird when it builds a nest. A piece of rope is all that is needed. Large print, a pleasing layout, and complementary watercolor illustrations create a visually appealing book. A fun matching game and a challenging quiz are included. Kaner's book lacks the depth necessary for assignments, but will be enjoyed by young animal lovers.
Cathie E. Bashaw, Somers Library, NY
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