The writing style and reading level are on-target for new readers. Sentences are short, and the vocabulary is controlled. Words that are likely to be new to users appear in blue font; kids can click on those words for a concise pop-up definition. Also available are a read-along audio file and word-by-word highlighting. . . . Brief videos, of excellent sound and color quality, are included, too. In Animals, they capture the featured creature in its habitat, up close and in action; viewers will enjoy seeing an Arabian mare and foal trotting around a grassy pen or a Clydesdale grazing by a lake. These additions are particularly useful, illustrating key differences between similar animals. . . . Educators searching for ways to introduce the younger set to online research will do well to start with the Animals portion, a user-friendly, attractive, and informative addition. . .

This engaging database provides young researchers with standardized, accessible information on 160 different animals. Users can opt to type in a search term or browse through three main categories: habitat; type (e.g., mammals, insects, and amphibians); or geographic region. Subgroups help narrow down results even further. Each entry’s main page offers a brief video (under 10 seconds) and links to five sections: “About,” “Body,” “Habitat,” “Food,” and “Life Cycle.” These sections each offer a few simple, declarative sentences accompanied by engaging, full-color photos. Users can opt to have the text read aloud, and each word is highlighted in turn. Scrolling down provides access to “Zoom In” features: “Cool Facts,” “Quick Stats,” “Range Map,” and an article citation. The crowd-pleasing facts range from quirky to gross, and the comparative statistics are reported in ways designed to make data accessible for young audiences. Each entry also offers a “Play and Learn” section, with animal-specific activities. Site-wide features include additional games and a few lesson plans for each kindergarten, first grade, and second grade. Children and parents will appreciate the user-friendly features, such as unlimited do-overs for games and quizzes, the natural voice and expressiveness of the text reader, and the overall graphic-rich, accessible layout. Librarians and educators will appreciate the easy accessibility and navigability plus the emphasis on academic content and vocabulary, reinforced through print, photos, and audio. Additional planned Zoom products will address biographies and STEAM. Animals are always popular topics, and this tool will find eager audiences in classroom, school, and public learning settings.