Zoology for Kids: Understanding and Working with Animals

The husband-and-wife team of the Hestermanns present an accessible introduction to zoology, filled with vivid photographs and written in lively, enthusiastic prose. Early chapters focus on animal classification, biology, behavior, and habitats, while later ones introduce a variety of professions that involve working directly with animals. Each chapter offers activities that encourage readers to further engage with the material—one project suggests baking an edible animal cell cake: “Add some sprinkles (ribosomes) between some of the gummy worms to create rough endoplasmic reticulum.” Some sidebars introduce thought-provoking concepts, such as whether or not animals practice altruism; others focus on specific individuals who work with animals; an extensive glossary, source notes, and resource list are included. The Hestermanns strike an effective balance between educational material and fun that should hit a sweet spot for animal lovers. Ages 9–up. (Mar.)