Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

This two new student reference source is an offshoot of Gale's Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia (2d. ed, Gale, 2002). Upcoming entries in the series are Corals, Jellyfishes, Sponges, and Other Simple Animals; Crustaceans, Mollusks, and Segmented Worms; Insects and Spiders; Fishes; Amphibians; and reptiles.

In the set under review, each volume begins with a "Reader's Guide," a "Pronunciation Guide for Scientific Names," a "Words to Know" section, and a section on "Getting to Know Mammals." Each of the volumes concludes with a "Species List by Biome" as well as a "Species List by Geographic Range." Each volume also includes a comprehensive index.

mammals offers coverage of 141 families and 265 species. Entries are arranged by taxonomy. Order entries offer an overview of a group of families, and family entries provide an overview of a particular family. Each entry includes sections on physical characteristics, geographic range, habitat, diet, behavior and reproduction, animals and people, and conservation status. The family entries are followed by one or more species accounts, which include the same information, in addition to a map indicating range and a photograph or illustration for each species. Conservation is emphasized, and the set makes use of the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources, now the World Conservation Union) Red List categories for each species. Each entry concludes with a list of books, periodicals, and Web sites (including a note of the date when they were last accessed) for further research. There are more than 500 colorful photographs, illustrations, and charts. Sidebars provide supplemental information. Layout is open and appealing, and the writing is clear and easily understood.

The set would be a useful addition for middle-school, high-school, and public libraries. Maren Ostergard

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Product Description

Grzimek's Student Animal Life Resource: Mammals presents comprehensive information on 141 families and 265 species of mammals from around the world in an understandable and easy-to-use format. Arranged taxonomically, each family entry includes sections on physical characteristics; geographic range; habitat; diet; behavior and reproduction; animals and people; and conservation status. Family entries are followed by one or more species accounts and a range map and photo or illustration for each species. Entries conclude with a list of books, periodicals, and Web sites that may be used for further research.

Each volume of Grzimek's Student Animal Life Resource: Mammals includes a pronunciation guide for scientific names, a glossary, a general overview of mammals, a list of species in the set by biome, a list of species by geographic location, and a comprehensive index. The Mammals set has 540 full-color maps, photos, and illustrations to enliven the text, and sidebars provide additional facts and related information.