Full Text Review(s)
[Amphibian; Bird; Fish; Marsupial]-"Four meticulously detailed introductions. In each volume, a preface discusses the development and principles of two classification systems–the traditional Linnaean system of hierarchical divisions and the new phylogenetic system, based on DNA, which groups together all organisms descended from the same ancestor. Succeeding chapters trace the featured animals’ evolutionary history; describe their basic anatomy, shared features, habitats, diets, and life cycles; and survey dozens of smaller groups within the class or order (e.g., suborders, families, genera, species, etc.). The final chapter discusses threats to the animals’ survival and efforts to protect them. Several special features focus on discoveries of new species and recent, rare fossil finds. Sharp color photographs appear on about every other page. Other illustrations consist of classification charts and anatomical diagrams. Readers will need a basic background in biology to understand every concept discussed, but unusual terms are defined as they appear in these well-organized and clearly written titles. They provide more material on animal devolution and classification than other introductions aimed at about the same audience, such as Sally Morgan’s Amphibians (Raintree, 2004), Sarah Wilkes’s Fish (World Almanac Library, 2006), and Andrew Solway’s Classifying Birds (Heinemann Library, 2003). The Marsupial Class, in addition to discussing such well-known animals as kangaroos, koalas, and opossums, includes material on less-familiar species–"marsupial mice," quolls, bandicoots, and bilbies. Stefoff’s well-researched titles will be excellent resources for reports on these remarkably diverse animal groups."

"These delightful series books focus on a single group to develop concepts of taxonomy (classification). Skillful weaving of engaging text and superb illustrations will incite interest in a topic that is frequently dreaded by both teacher and student. The history and significance of taxonomy is presented in an introductory chapter in each volume. Subsequent chapters explain and illustrate characteristics, groupings, the fossil record, and evolutionary relationships within the bird class or classes of fish. DNA studies have revealed evolutionary relationships and adjustments in classifications. Jaws are significant in the grouping of fish. Distinctive physical features of birds enable flight. Concluding chapters present examples of modern problems for survival.

Both books give a foundation for understanding relationships and classification of living organisms in a palatable manner, even for younger readers. A chart presents the family tree for birds, showing the different orders with examples of birds in each order, whereas fish require a different tree to illustrate the current groupings. Carefully selected colorful illustrations with informative notes encourage browsing for the casual reader who may skip much of the text. These are must-haves for any library serving youth. Teachers need to be aware of these remarkable resources, which join other titles on marsupials, insects, and primates among other classifications."

"Marc Zabludoff’s ‘Family Trees’set ($20.95 Each) covers divisions, kingdoms and orders in the natural world, with each book providing grades 6 and up with nearly a hundred pages of science detail. The Protoctist Kingdom (0-7614-1818-0), Reptile Class (0-7614-1820-2), Insect Class (0-7614-1819-9), Flowering Plant Kingdom (0-7614-1817-2) and Primate Order (0-7614-1816-4) by Stefoff each survey kingdoms and species, classification methods, physical traits, adaptations, and life cycles. Lovely color photos cement interest and captivating covers encourage leisure browsers."