SWON Libraries

By Sarah Campbell (Non-Fiction)

$16.95 (Hardback), 32 pages

Illustrator: Richard Campbell

Publisher: Boyds Mills Press (2008)

ISBN: 9781590785546

Grades: 3-5, K, 1, 2

Use: Recreation, Curriculum, Reference, Programming / Readaloud

Format: Photo, Picture Book

Illustration Type: Color Photgraphs

Illustration Rating: Outstanding

Reference Aids: Appendix, Glossary

Genres: Animal

Literary Merit: Excellent

Characterization: Excellent

Summary:

In this photo essay, a wolfsnail, a common backyard predator, leaves the shelter of the porch ledge to hunt for and eat another snail. After its meal, the snail returns to the porch to rest. Backmatter includes a glossary, snail facts and more information about wolfsnails.

Evaluation:

Crisp, bright photos give a snail's eye view of this slimy hunt, making the wolfsnail seem larger than life. The simple text is informative while carefully building the suspense of the hunt. Young readers and listeners will enjoy this one as an addition to storytimes and on their own. Even the backmatter is entertaining, showing a wolfsnail actual size and defining words like slime and mucus.