Grzimek's Student Animal Life Resource - Hardcover

In the set under review, each volume begins with a "Reader's Guide," a "Pronunciation Guide for Scientific Names," a "Words to Know" section, and a section on "Getting to Know Mammals." Each of the volumes concludes with a "Species List by Biome" as well as a "Species List by Geographic Range." Each volume also includes a comprehensive index.

mammals offers coverage of 141 families and 265 species. Entries are arranged by taxonomy. Order entries offer an overview of a group of families, and family entries provide an overview of a particular family. Each entry includes sections on physical characteristics, geographic range, habitat, diet, behavior and reproduction, animals and people, and conservation status. The family entries are followed by one or more species accounts, which include the same information, in addition to a map indicating range and a photograph or illustration for each species. Conservation is emphasized, and the set makes use of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, now the World Conservation Union) Red List categories for each species. Each entry concludes with a list of books, periodicals, and Web sites (including a note of the date when they were last accessed) for further research. There are more than 500 colorful photographs, illustrations, and charts. Sidebars provide supplemental information. Layout is open and appealing, and the writing is clear and easily understood.

The set would be a useful addition for middle-school, high-school, and public libraries. Maren Ostergard
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