School Library Journal Review
PreS-Gr 2-Two useful series entries. Night Animals features colorful descriptions of familiar nocturnal creatures such as the skunk, raccoon, and bat. The terms "diurnal" and "nocturnal" are defined, and there are brief explanations of how and why some species have adapted to nighttime activity. The final pages tell where these animals sleep during the day and suggest activities for further discovery. Pfeffer begins with examples of sounds, such as finger snapping, and progresses to an explanation of how the vocal cords and ear bones vibrate. Echolocation, sound waves, sonar, and even decibels are covered with clear, concrete examples. There are many interesting tidbits about animals, such as how snakes hear by putting their heads against the ground. Activities listed at the end of the book would be fun to try at home or at school. Both books have excellent, attractive illustrations. Any library in need of updating its science collection would do well with these titles.-Jackie Hechtkopf, Talent House School, Fairfax, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Horn Book Review
Pfeffer introduces young readers to the science of sound and hearing. While mainly encouraging observation of sound, the text also includes simple explanations for how humans and animals hear and use sound. Instructions for several classic sound activities (including musical instruments and string telephones) are included. Cartoonlike illustrations feature many onomatopoeic words: knock, knock, cluck, cluck, psst, howwwwl! From HORN BOOK Fall 1999, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Kirkus Review
This appealing Stage 1 title in the Let's-Read-And-Find-Out Science series provides a simple explanation of sounds and hearing. Beginning with snaps, claps, and whistles, Pfeffer describes how sound waves vibrate through the air, and how tiny bones in the ear vibrate. She also explains how animals hear, from bats and echolocation to whales using sound waves to locate their young in the ocean, and notes that sound waves travel through the solid ground as well as air and water. Keller's charming illustrations show very young children, so the title may not draw in older readers. Still, with its suggestions for activities and clear language, it's a welcome addition to the series. (Picture book/nonfiction. 5-8)
Booklist Review
Ages 4^-7. This entry in the Lets-Read-and-Find-Out series surveys the topic of sound by discussing vibration, communication, echolocation, radar, and the measurement of loudness by decibels. The text and illustrations start out in child-centered environments, then move into the animal kingdom, and finally back to the child's experiences. The last three pages offer instructions for activities and games related to sound. Like the writing, the attractive line-and-watercolor illustrations are clear and simple. Teachers will find this a useful addition to classroom units on sound. --Carolyn Phelan
