PreS-Gr 2-Two useful series entries. Night Animals features colorful descriptions of familiar nocturnal creatures such as the skunk, raccoon, and bat. The terms "diurnal" and "nocturnal" are defined, and there are brief explanations of how and why some species have adapted to nighttime activity. The final pages tell where these animals sleep during the day and suggest activities for further discovery. Pfeffer begins with examples of sounds, such as finger snapping, and progresses to an explanation of how the vocal cords and ear bones vibrate. Echolocation, sound waves, sonar, and even decibels are covered with clear, concrete examples. There are many interesting tidbits about animals, such as how snakes hear by putting their heads against the ground. Activities listed at the end of the book would be fun to try at home or at school. Both books have excellent, attractive illustrations. Any library in need of updating its science collection would do well with these titles.-Jackie Hechtkopf, Talent House School, Fairfax, VA

Pfeffer introduces young readers to the science of sound and hearing. While mainly encouraging observation of sound, the text also includes simple explanations for how humans and animals hear and use sound. Instructions for several classic sound activities (including musical instruments and string telephones) are included. Cartoonlike illustrations feature many onomatopoeic words: "knock, knock," "cluck, cluck," "psst," "howwwwl!"

This entry in the Lets-Read-and-Find-Out series surveys the topic of sound by discussing vibration, communication, echolocation, radar, and the measurement of loudness by decibels. The text and illustrations start out in child-centered environments, then move into the animal kingdom, and finally back to the child's experiences. The last three pages offer instructions for activities and games related to sound. Like the writing, the attractive line-and-watercolor illustrations are clear and simple. Teachers will find this a useful addition to classroom units on sound. (Reviewed March 1, 1999)