The authors describe various animals that live and thrive in arctic environments. Each volume begins by introducing a scientist studying the title creature; that person acts as expert by providing quotes throughout the book. The information is solid but tends to meander. Colorful photos, maps, sidebars, and accounts of real-life encounters with the animals will engage readers curious about the natural world. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos., ind. [Review covers these Built for Cold: Arctic Animals titles: Arctic Wolf, Caribou, Wolverine, Polar Bear, Sled Dog, and Walrus.] (c) Copyright 2011. The Horn Book, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.

Gr 4-5-Individual volumes in this narrowly focused series merit consideration-particularly Arctic Wolf, as it profiles one of the rarest subspecies on Earth (population estimated at about 200) and Sled Dogs, which opens by introducing Isobel, a blind lead dog, then goes on to cover rescue dogs, dog training, and the Iditarod. The other volumes begin by visiting a research biologist in the field. Each book features systematically presented basic information about its animal's physical features, habitat (with range maps) and special adaptations, followed by closing spreads of recapped facts and glimpses of several other arctic creatures. Sled Dogs features period photos; it and the others also offer photos of the animals in natural settings. (c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.