Monkeys
From the Set Spot Rainforest Animals
Monkeys--mammals with thumbs like us and tails that help them swing. Developing readers learn about the many types of monkeys living in the rainforest in this low-level search-and-find beginning reader. Swinging through the trees, and hanging from its tail, there goes a monkey. Their prehensile tails act as a third arm which allows them to better traverse the rainforest. Early readers will discover key characteristics of these mammals.
A search-and-find feature reinforces new vocabulary, while close-up images of monkeys in their natural rainforest habitat captivate young audiences. A great early STEM book to inspire learning about life science for kindergartners and first graders.
SLJ Review of Spot Rainforest Animals
This companion to the “Spot Nature” series by the same publisher follows an identical format. Brief volumes open with a challenge to students to locate four pictures and their corresponding words. In this series, students are asked to find an animal’s body part or something notable about its habitat or lifestyle. Hints and visual clues guide readers to find the objects, with plenty of opportunities for review. Most feature simple sentences, including an exclamatory sentence to stimulate dramatic interest, e.g., “Wow. That snake is huge!” (Anacondas). The text includes common sight words and short- and long-vowel sounds. The series covers a broad range of rainforest creatures, whose habits, habitats, body parts, and lifestyles are explored and explained. The remarkable color photos, whose focus is frequently on the creatures’ habits and lifestyles, are sure to captivate students. VERDICT Recommended for schools and public libraries to promote STEM learning for young students. Hand to animal lovers who’ll learn a lot about some favorite creatures, and meet some new ones, too.