Brutal Birds
From the Set Powerful Predators
Peril may be anywhere in the animal world, especially for prey trying to avoid fierce predators. Learn about some of the most brutal birds, attacking from sky, ground, and water. This engaging hi-lo book draws in 3rd through 5th grade readers with incredible animal content while a 1st and 2nd grade reading level makes the information accessible. It's a roaring good time!
SLJ Review of Powerful Predators
Each title in this series introduces eight separate examples of predators from the animal group. Two-page spreads include descriptive titles emphasizing the dangerous aspect of the creature, such as “Lethal Lions” (Mammals) and “Killer King Cobras” (Reptiles). A few sentences focus almost exclusively on the ways that each animal hunts and the qualities that help them succeed. Usually there is just enough information in the brief text to introduce the animal, though in some cases readers do not learn what the predator actually hunts (for example, Birds, Mammals). A large photo on each page, set in a jagged-edged frame with claw marks in the background, depicts the predator fairly effectively. Most images capture features that help the animal hunt, though many do not show them interacting with prey.
VERDICT: Appealing introductions to younger browsers.