Visually pleasing pages filled with full color photographs and highlighted by informational balloons will entice students. The size, format, amount of information, layout, and design of this series are just right for primary grade beginning researchers. Recommended.

Clear writing and simple vocabulary make it a useful choice for independent reading. Occasional “Uncovered!” sidebars along with close-up photos of the friendly looking title animal enhance the volume.

Each volume begins with an explanation of continental drift, so readers can understand why Australia’s animals are unique, and includes a spread of general information about the “Continent Down Under.” Students learn about the featured animal’s range, size, physical characteristics, diet, life cycle, and obstacles to survival. Some of the most interesting tidbits can be found in a fascinating-facts section near the end of every book. . . . One or two large color photographs grace each spread, along with a few paragraphs of text and “Uncovered!” side boxes that look like they are popping through the page. This is a high-interest topic; these books will likely attract browsers as well as researchers.