Grade 2-4?Dozens of small varmints are featured in these broad introductions. In a format similar to the "Eyewitness" series, double-page sections briefly address such topics as defense mechanisms, special characteristics, etc. About a half-dozen sharp color photographs of representative species are presented per spread, accompanied by short blocks of text. Some sentences curve around illustrations instead of appearing in blocks, an eye-catching, but often difficult-to-read arrangement. Horrible focuses on cold-blooded, generally slimy creatures; while Wicked concerns venomous or blood-sucking invertebrates. The combination of clear color enlargements with bits of large-print text is attractive. While the material presented is clearly written, it is sometimes oversimplified.
