Giraffe

From Publishers Weekly Most photos of giraffes are interesting: that powerful neck and the long slim body that go with it make every movement unusual. Here they crane toward their favorite foodleaves from the acadia trees, posing awkwardly to drink water without tipping over in one picture, then galloping gracefully with all four legs off the ground in the next, twisting around in a knot for a drink of mother's milk. The concise text offers a general introduction to the giraffe and includes a close-up look at a newborn calf young giraffe. Arnold also passes on other information, like the animal's zoological name, which translates to "camel leopard." Hewett's well-placed, full-color photos reveal both the elegant and goofy sides of the giraffe. These two have collaborated on Koala, Kangaroo and, more recently, Zebra. Ages 7-10. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From School Library Journal Grade 3-5 These fine introductions to the giraffe and the zebra are well written in a clear, readable style, and each is illustrated with an excellent selection of color photographs taken in a New Jersey safari park. Basic information on behavior patterns, the various species and subspecies of each animal, physical characteristics, reproduction, and care of the young are provided in both books. Past and present threats to the existence of each animal are discussed, as well as present efforts by conservationists to keep these unique creatures from extinction. Each book tells of newborn members in the giraffe and zebra herds in the safari park. These stories are well integrated with the informational content, add an extra sense of realism, and will hold readers' attention. Louise Brown's Giraffes (Dodd, 1980) is a useful book, but Arnold's Giraffe surpasses it with its superb photographs. Currently, there is little available for this age level about zebras. Both of these new titles should be welcome additions to any library collection. Cynthia M. Sturgis, Ledding Library, Milwaukie, Oreg.Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.