School Library Journal Review

Gr 2-5-With graphics designed to look like file folders, these volumes present fascinating fish facts in concise but detailed chapters that include physical descriptions, diets, habitats, and life cycles. Colorful, action-filled photos and captions that resemble "Post-It" notes clarify and add additional information, as do charts listing data about the featured fish or their "friends." Maps would have been helpful (what third grader knows where the Indo-Pacific is?) and sometimes the texts lack clarity. For example, in Lionfish, readers learn first that the creature, "isn't a fast swimmer," but a later page says, "Lionfish are very quick." Nonetheless, the series is well suited for reports, and its fearsome covers and chatty tone gives it lots of browser appeal. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.