Review: Animals and their babies
Rating: 5 out of 5
Date: 06 8, 2014
Author/teacher Mackenzie Hansler moved from catching critters as a boy, to exploring the kelp forests as a young man: Nature is his temple. His books are designed to inspire a passion for nature's wonders no matter whether those wonders be in his home in Southern California or in Australia or all the world.In this completely charming and very fine introduction of the animal kingdom to children Mackenzie introduces animals through their babies. Each animal covered (in alphabetical order) is first shown as an adult (in gorgeous color photographs) followed on by the name for that particular baby form of the animal - with a photograph of the baby also! Then he gives some interesting information about the animal and about the baby's size, or weight or habits. It makes for a delightful adventure into the world of nature.In this, Book 3, we meet the Crocodile whose babies are called hatchlings (A mother crocodile carries her hatchlings to the water in her jaws!), Deer babies are called fawns (Newborn fawns have no distinctive smell), Dog babies are called puppies, Dolphin babies are calves, Donkey babies are called foals, Dove babies are called squabs or chicks, Duck babies are called ducklings (duckling  feathers are not waterproof for ten days), Eagle babies are called eaglets or fledglings, Eel babies are called elvers, Elephant babies are called calves. And with all of Mackenzie's Animal Baby books there are quizzes in the back to help you remember the names. And be sure to look for the surprise that accompany each of the books in the series.For the rest of the animals you must read the other books in the series. This is a great addition to the libraries of children who are encouraged to learn about the wonders of nature. And it is such fun! Grady Harp, June 14