Grizzly Bears (Predators)

Grizzly Bears (Predators)

Describes grizzly bears, their habits, where they live, how they defend themselves, and how they appear in human mythology and folklore. From Booklist Reviewed with Barbara Taylor'sCobras.Gr. 3-5. Colorful, appealingly laid out photographs that will attract young researchers' attention clearly illustrate these books in the Predators series. Close-ups of teeth, scales, claws, and fur alternate with broader views of habitats, animals with their young, and on the hunt. The facts are presented in topical sections, with each spread introduced with an attention-catching headline, such as "Super Senses." Highlighted boxes draw attention to "extra facts, stories, and other interesting information," but it isn't clear why this information is "extra" and not included in the main text. Despite the series' title, the focus is not solely on predation. Other aspects of the animals' lives are also covered, and children get a balanced view of predators, vulnerable creatures as well as effective hunters that generally prefer to avoid danger than fight. Helpfully, the animals are put into context with others of their type; grizzly bears are compared in several ways (size and habitat) to other bears, such as polar bears. Worthwhile back matter suggests projects related to the predators and Web sites for further research. Diane FooteCopyright