The highlights of these books are the impressive photographs of appropriately colored animals. The texts provide bits of information about each creature with a worldwide distribution map at the end. Since the answer to the title question is always the same--color works either to blend and hide, to stand out and attract, or to protect--the individual books seem unnecessary. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.

STEWART, Melissa . Why Are Animals Green? ISBN 978-0-7660-3252-1 . LC 2008011470. STEWART, Melissa . Why Are Animals Orange? ISBN 978-0-7660-3250-7 . LC 2008011471. STEWART, Melissa . Why Are Animals Purple? ISBN 978-0-7660-3254-5 . LC 2008011473. STEWART, Melissa . Why Are Animals Red? ISBN 978-0-7660-3249-1 . LC 2008011472. STEWART, Melissa . Why Are Animals Yellow? ISBN 978-0-7660-3253-8 . LC 2008011474. ea vol: 32p. (Rainbow of Animals Series). maps. photos. further reading. index. Web sites. CIP. Enslow . 2009. Tr $22.60. K-Gr 2 The world is a rainbow of animals, and this series sets out to explain why. There is much repetition within these books, and a pattern quickly emerges as to how or why certain species appear as they do. The explanations generally fall into one of four categories: because they are poisonous (reptiles and insects), to attract a mate (birds and mammals), for the purpose of camouflage (common across all species), or because of diet (predominantly the case with birds). Each book begins with Words to Know, which are highlighted in the appropriate color within the text. The stunning photographs often showcase the animals vibrancy against contrasting colors. Each volume ends with clear, color range maps. This unusual, appealing series is easy to read and will be a solid selection for reluctant readers.