Fox

From School Library Journal Grade 4-6?Arnold and Hewett's two new titles share the good organization, clear writing, and beautiful full-color photographs that made their previous collaborations successful. The first title begins with an introduction to bats in general and touches on the characteristics of specific species. The text then dispels false beliefs and fears. Large red print is used to highlight subject headings that address such topics as habit, diet, reproduction, and echo location. Fox examines six species native to North America. It covers family life, communication, and threats posed to their survival. Indexes assure that facts are easily accessed, while the books' high visual and verbal appeal insures that they will circulate among casual readers as well as report writers.?Lisa Wu Stowe, Great Neck Library, NYCopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Kirkus Reviews Another entry about animals from frequent collaborators (Killer Whale, 1994, etc.), and this one's a gem. A full-color photo essay covers the world of the six fox species found in North America, with special emphasis given to the smallest of these, the kit fox, a clever and resourceful predator who lives in an extremely hostile environment. Details of how kit foxes live are fascinating; Arnold covers their homes, predatory activity, mating, family life, play, and communication. Two final sections deal with the dangers they face in the wild and the much greater danger they and all other fox species face from human beings. A useful index is included but the book's great strengths are its clear, highly informative text, and Hewett's stunning photos of these beautiful animals in their natural habitat, which, alas, is fast disappearing. (Nonfiction. 8-12) --