Gila Monsters

Simple sentences detail the typical experiences of an animal’s day. Alligators, for example, shows the reptiles nesting, hunting, basking, and swimming and notes physical characteristics like “long claws.” Text focuses on one or two main activities, without trying to cover every aspect. Basic sentence structure and easy vocabulary provide accessibility to developing readers. Large, vivid images add high appeal and also enhance the intentionally basic text with visual cues. A close-up view of a drop of rattlesnake venom and a lively tortoise fight are just two examples. Some opposing photos of predator and prey are less successful (they are clearly separate images, but the narrative describes the animals interacting). However, for the most part, the strong visual presentation will draw readers right into the animals’ worlds. VERDICT High appeal for new readers of nonfiction.