April 1, 2021
Gr 4-8-These single-volume reference books work equally well for browsing or research. Clear text provides basic relevant facts in a straightforward fashion. Varied fonts and bold headings divide subject areas neatly. Every spread includes large, well-chosen photographs, enhanced by borders, uncrowded layouts, and generous white space. Organization varies appropriately by topic. Dog arranges breeds into broad groups such as "herding dogs," while Cat presents all breeds alphabetically. Horse and Shark feature fewer specific types with more in-depth information on each. Shark, for example, devotes 14 pages each to a dozen species, plus brief data and a single photo for another 14. Dog, meanwhile, covers more than 70 breeds with one or two pages each, along with another 60 short profiles. Dog also covers more recent mixed breeds, such as labradoodles and puggles, which are not always included in breed guides. VERDICT Useful resources that should circulate well.
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