What is a Marsupial? (The Science of Living Things) [Library Binding]

Bobbie Kalman (Author), Heather Levigne (Author)

Book Description

Age Level: 7 and up | Grade Level: 2 and up | Series: Science of Living Things

Marsupials are the only mammals that have a pouch on their body in which they carry their young. Most of these amazing animals live in Australia, where they have adapted to the harsh conditions of life in the outback. In What is a Marsupial children will learn astounding facts about marsupials, including: ¥the important differences between marsupials and placentals ¥how kangaroos, koalas, wombats, Tasmanian devils, opossums, and bilbies are related ¥how marsupials reproduce and raise their young ¥the ways in which they hunt and feed ¥why some marsupials are in danger

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal

Grade 1-3-The first book examines ways that animals' bodies and/or behavior help them survive in particular habitats. Types of adaptation include camouflage, hibernation, and migration. The second entry looks at the group of animals that includes the kangaroo, koala, and opossum. The last title covers various methods of locomotion such as swimming, flying, and jumping. In all three books, a two-page spread is devoted to a particular topic. Though none of the information is oversimplified, it is rather generalized. For example, in Marsupial, only one page is devoted to the opossum and it includes a discussion of varieties found in other countries as well as the North American species. A combination of color photographs and drawings adequately illustrate the texts. Though the information provided is simple, the language is a bit too difficult for the newly independent readers whom Kalman seems to be targeting. Many of the scientific terms are boldfaced and defined in the text and/or in the glossary, but there isn't much consistency as to which ones are defined where. Of the three books, Marsupials is the most successful, mainly because it has the narrowest scope. However, none of these offerings is in-depth enough to serve as a primary source for reports. All three are best suited to youngsters looking for brief answers to satisfy their curiosity and casual browsers who are animal enthusiasts.
Arwen Marshall, formerly at New York Public Library
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Bobbie Kalman is the author and publisher of more than one hundred and fifty quality children's library books. She has created many of Crabtree's most popular series, including The Early Settler Life Series, The Historic Communities Series and The Crabapples Series of "starter" books for younger children. This year Bobbie has created the exciting new series Sports in Action. Bobbie's series are extremely successful in schools and public libraries because she writes them with specific curriculum needs in mind. She works with a writing team of creative writers who thoroughly research each topic. Colorful, attractive covers and entertaining text make her books sell equally well in bookstores and museums. Bobbie holds degrees in English, Psychology and Education. She has taught at both the elementary and secondary level. As well as being a teacher, Bobbie has worked as an educational consultant with several publishing companies.

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Product Details

• Reading level: Ages 7 and up
  
• Library Binding: 32 pages
• Publisher: Crabtree Publishing Company (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0865059780
• ISBN-13: 978-0865059788
• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 8.8 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.3 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #6,085,504 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Intro to Marsupials, January 3, 2007

By 

Teresa J. Molinaro (Pennsylvania) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: What is a Marsupial? (The Science of Living Things) (Library Binding)

This was purchased to be used at at zoo when we first got kangaroos.
It was a good book and everyone, all ages, found it interesting. The
photos are good and made these unusual animals a lot easier to explain.