%% This is a multi-book review. SEE the title Wild Cats for next imprint and review text. %% (Reviewed September 15, 1997)

Gr 1-4--Through soft, evocative watercolor paintings and easy-to-read texts, these attractive Canadian imports give brief introductions to mammals living in North America. Each title focuses on the three animals from the family that reside on this continent and makes use of a somewhat indistinct locator map that does not include state or even country boundaries. The books are well organized, moving from form to function, e.g., a discussion of diet is followed by hunting or foraging information; descriptions of bodies lead into explanations of movement. Fact boxes contain additional information. There are some nice extras at the end, including an overview of other animals in these families around the world and signs that can be used to tell that an animal has been in the area. The brief glossaries and more extensive indexes make these good choices for young readers just beginning to use nonfiction. More extensive information for the same audience is offered in similar titles from the "Eyewitness Juniors" (Knopf) or "Picture Library" (Watts) series.--Susan Oliver, Tampa-Hillsborough Public Library System, FL