The titles in this series have animals facing off in a mostly realistic, albeit dramatic, battle. The animals pitted against each other in each book are from similar habitats and could cross paths in the wild. While there aren’t graphic photos of the battle, there are photos of the predators capturing their food. Each title begins by announcing the competitors and employs short paragraphs and info-graphics of competitor profiles. The layout of each page is eye-catching with an action photo of each animal and white text on a dark background, which is easy to read. Readers are informed of what secret weapons and attack moves to expect before the competitors standoff. Back matter includes a glossary, an index, and additional resources. A similar read includes the “Who Would Win” series. VERDICT For elementary readers who enjoy nonfiction drama.

The popular Animal Battles series continues to grow with these provoking new pairings. Based on animals’ abilities to punch the same class rather than a likelihood of their actually fighting each other in the wild, the theoretical battles are inarguably entertaining. Each volume’s four short chapters (“The Competitors,” “Secret Weapons,” “Attack Moves,” and “Ready, Fight!”) are packed with photos, infographics, facts, and stats, ideal for reluctant readers and visual learners. Quick profiles of the featured animals open the proceedings, with general information about the creatures conveyed on individual spreads as well as on a page of infographics for each that relates their size, weight, habitat, and range. Their deadly physical features and abilities are similarly presented, and a fictional encounter in which the two go head-to-head brings each book to a close. A fun, engaging series.