School Library Journal

Series Review
Each book clearly and simply explains the steps of a particular life cycle with glossary terms in bold print for easy identification. Digitally illustrated scenes vary from wide-angle images to detailed close-ups so that readers can see a young oak tree with a bird on its branches or a single egg in a clump of frogspawn. The wider views also show other plants and animals within each habitat. The illustrations are warm and colorful to grab the reader’s attention yet are detailed enough to support the text. QR codes provide access to videos such as caterpillars hatching from eggs or the heartbeat of an embryonic chick. A diagram of the complete life cycle ends each book, offering a chance to review and reflect. There is an access code in each book for the Crabtree Plus website, where readers can see all the digital content and try out the interactive offerings. A good introduction for primary grades with the added bonus of digital support.