This fabulous series introduces the concept of metamorphosis in the animal kingdom through creatures like the jellyfish, salamander, and butterfly. Chapters are labeled as “Stages,” which mirror the actual chronological process of metamorphosis. The accompanying photographs are detailed and close-up, offering an excellent complement to the brief but informative text. In Dragonfly, the photo set of a nymph molting on land is particularly fascinating. Vocabulary words are highlighted within the text and then defined in the glossary. An excellent thematic series to introduce the concept of metamorphosis.

Detailed, glossy photos get up close and personal with a number of egg-laying insects, and are the prime selling feature of the Changing Animals series. Though light on text, these overviews of the early life stages of several critters provide a solid first look for elementary school readers. The information provided is introductory. . .but a wide variety of close-up photos provide plenty of details of all phases of the life cycles discussed, and will surely be enough to spur curious budding entomologists towards more comprehensive texts.