Dolphins

This undistinguished series juxtaposes action photographs of favorite animals against matter-of-fact texts that distract with awkward breaks. While the photographs--graceful dolphins speeding through blue depths; green sea turtles dragging their armor-plated bodies through sand; fuzzy, baby harp seals nuzzling in the arctic snows--may initially attract toddlers and young children, the text may not hold them for repeated readings. Nonetheless, each book presents general information that children can relate to other members of the animal kingdom: dolphins breathe air like humans rather than like fish, and live in groups called pods; sea turtles dig nests in the sand where they lay round, flesh-colored eggs; mother seals know their young by smell. Despite the books' shortcomings, their durable paper-over-board covers and reasonable pricing lend this foursome a certain utility. The foursome's paper-over-board covers and reason able pricing make them attractive as well. Ages 3-6. (Apr.)