School Library Journal Review
Gr 3-5An attractive introduction to the skeletal systems of a variety of vertebrates, from fish to humans. Each subject is given a two-page spread that includes a large illustration of its skeleton; full-color drawings of the complete creature; a boxed comparison of its size to that of an adult human male; and a brief discussion of its general behavior, physical features, and any distinguishing characteristics. This book does not provide in-depth coverage, but is good for browsing. Black backgrounds effectively highlight the illustrations and make the presentation eye-catching. Text is easy to read, although somewhat stilted. Steve Parker's Skeleton (Knopf, 1988) has more detailed comparisons of skeletal features and is a good follow-up title for readers seeking more information.Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukee, OR (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Publisher's Weekly Review
In this handsomely designed oversize volume, Gray's meticulously rendered animal skeletons almost appear to be 3-D-and ready to spring from the glossy black pages. Johnson's concise and carefully researched descriptions of the 18 creatures (including the human) profiled here include notes on physical characteristics, habits, habitats and-most pertinently-the ways in which bones and other body parts are used. Her straightforward text contains numerous little-known facts: because water supports a blue whale's weight, its skeleton is surprisingly light; and a penguin's tail has many bones, which keep it stiff and capable of propping up a penguin standing on land. Other animals spotlighted include the green turtle, Nile crocodile, red kangaroo, elephant seal, moose and three-toed sloth. On each spread, a silhouette of an adult human alongside the animal in focus puts the creature's size in immediate perspective. Johnson's frequent cross-references comparing the species also help clarify her data. A glossary rounds out this substantial book. Ages 7-up. Children's BOMC main selection. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Horn Book Review
Eighteen different animals, from the pit viper to the blue whale to the human, are introduced on double-page spreads. Each spread features a skeleton, an illustration of the living animal, a scale comparison with humans, and facts about the animal and its anatomy. Set against a glossy black background, the attractive book is an excellent introduction to anatomy. Glos., ind. From HORN BOOK 1994, (c) Copyright 2010. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
Gr. 3-7. Black pages form a dramatic backdrop for this striking oversize book. Each double-page spread features the skeleton of a different species representative of a wider group of animals. While the main text introduces the animal, captions around the skeleton point out various physical features. Silhouettes of the animal and a person indicate relative size, and a series of small pictures show the animal in motion. Labeling is kept to a minimum, with only two or three parts of a skeleton named on each page. The last spread features a more fully labeled skeleton of a lion, along with a glossary. The index could be used to identify like parts for comparison (for example, the claws of bats, kangaroos, lions, and sloths). Gray's excellent full-color illustrations of the animals and their skeletons give the book browsing appeal; it also offers a good beginning lesson in comparative anatomy and a great deal of miscellaneous information about animal behavior. ~--Carolyn Phelan
