These volumes discuss history, characteristics, and how to care for the title cat breed. Anecdotes about famous or otherwise noteworthy cats (e.g., the Siamese whose meows drew attention to its unconscious owner) are included. The many photographs will appeal to cat lovers, though they--combined with captions and text boxes--tend to crowd the main texts. Reading list. Bib., glos., ind.

OLDFIELD, Dawn Bluemel . Abyssinians: Egyptian Royalty? ISBN 978-1-61772-145-8 ; ISBN 978-1-61772-187-8 . LC 2010038751. RUDOLPH, Jessica . American Shorthairs: Pioneers . ISBN 978-1-61772-143-4 ; ISBN 978-1-61772-188-5 . LC 2010037155. RUDOLPH, Jessica . Ragdolls: Alien Cats . ISBN 978-1-61772-146-5 ; ISBN 978-1-61772-191-5 . LC 2010035158. WHITE, Nancy . Maine Coons: Super Big . ISBN 978-1-61772-142-7 ; ISBN 978-1-61772-189-2 . LC 2010041167. WHITE, Nancy . Siamese: Talk to Me! ISBN 978-1-61772-144-1 ; ISBN 978-1-61772-192-2 . LC 2010034475. ea vol: 24p. (Cat-ographies Series). chart. map. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. CIP. Bearport . 2011. PLB $22.61; ebook $16.96. Gr 1-4 Readers will find these informative and engaging books especially useful, as they include specific breed health concerns as well as standard information about history and care. Also provided is a link to the publisher's website for the series, where readers can find sites for each book. The extra step may annoy some, but the site is easy to use and offers downloadable crosswords, a feature not usually found on websites of this type. While the books' design is a little busy, the content is detailed, appealing, and clear. These titles will work well in libraries looking to begin cat-breed collections or as additions to existing pet collections.