MARKOVICS, Joyce . Ringtail: Miner's Cat . ISBN 978-1-61772-580-7 ; ISBN 978-1-61772-612-5 . LC 2012007085. MARKOVICS, Joyce . White-Nosed Coati: Raccoon's Cousin . ISBN 978-1-61772-581-4 ; ISBN 978-1-61772-614-9 . LC 2012016961. PERSON, Stephen . Collared Peccary: Cactus Eater . ISBN 978-1-61772-571-5 ; ISBN 978-1-61772-609-5 . LC 2012009601. PERSON, Stephen . Cougar: A Cat with Many Names . ISBN 978-1-61772-569-2 ; ISBN 978-1-61772-610-1 . LC 2012003342. PERSON, Stephen . Roseate Spoonbill: Pretty in Pink . ISBN 978-1-61772-570-8 ; ISBN 978-1-61772-613-2 . LC 2012014338. ea vol: 32p. (America's Hidden Animal Treasures Series). chart. maps. photos. bibliog. further reading. glossary. index. websites. CIP. Bearport . 2012. PLB $26.60; ebook $33.27. Gr 3-5 This set highlights some of the lesser-known animals with whom we share our country. While students may have some familiarity with cougars, they are less likely to have heard of the other creatures. Each volume starts with a high-interest story and goes on to describe its subject's habitat, physical traits, diet, and family. Engaging narratives are interspersed with numerous captioned color photos and text boxes. The vocabulary is rich. For example, Jaguarundi introduces the concept of extirpation and Cougar discusses expansion. The habitat loss that threatens each of these species is a common topic, and the tone encourages a thoughtful approach toward the environment.

Beginning with a brief account of a biologist studying spoonbills, this book features double-page spreads that offer accurate, readable information about such topics as habitat, food, behavior (including raising young), prey, and threats. IIlustrations--mostly photos--are well matched to the text, which is clear about facts and also about motivation for studying these unusual birds. Reading list, websites. Glos., ind.