Hair!: Animal Fur, Wool, and More

Gr 2-5-Singer explores the different kinds of hair on mammals, what makes a mammal a mammal, and all sorts of fascinating details about how hair helps animals and humans. While a cartoon bird and dog give commentary and additional information throughout the book, full-color photos of various animals and humans are used to illustrate the facts and terms that make up the life science of mammals and the hair that makes them what they are. From how hair is used to camouflage and protect, to how hair can indicate how healthy an animal is, this book is filled with little known facts and explanations. The back matter is filled with additional answered questions about hair, a glossary, and a selected bibliography. VERDICT An excellent purchase for elementary nonfiction collections.--Molly Dettmann, Norman North High School, OK

In this delightful volume, readers learn how to distinguish the distinctive kinds of hair mammals have and their numerous and often very important uses. While thick, curly wool and soft fur help to keep animals warm during cold weather, hairs such as a porcupine's quills serve an equally important role in protection. Young readers will be surprised to learn that while hairs on our lashes and eyebrows help in protection and conveying emotion, the hair atop our heads might be a good indicator of health. Large photographs, often maximized and zoomed in, correspond with the hair attributes described on each page and make it easy for readers to view different hair types on mammals all over the world in action. An illustrated dog-and-bird duo accompany readers from page to page, providing further information and witty commentary. A Trivial Fursuit section provides interesting hair trivia, followed by a glossary of terms, selected bibliography, and books and websites for further reading. A fun and informative addition to children's nonfiction collections.—Booklist