Animal stories are popular with children of all ages. Students love real-life stories about heroic animals as well as learning about scientific discoveries. Non-fiction books cover many topics on animal research, from extinct animals to new discoveries. Animals that accomplish rescue tasks by saving lives are another favorite topic. Reading and comprehending non-fiction is a vital skill students must master as they progress through school, college, and then into the world of work. This encompasses one of the beneficial aspects of common core – being ready to enter into college and then a job as an adult capable of reading directions and instructions to carry out work tasks. Non-fiction books about topics students love make learning that skill much easier!

These are popular new animal books on the shelves:

Stubby the War Dog : the True Story of World War I’s Bravest Dog by Ann Bausum: Stubby was a Boston Terrier mix who was smuggled aboard a naval ship headed to France by Connecticut soldier J. Robert Conroy. By the time he was discovered, Stubby had become a crew mascot and served with his soldier throughout WWI. Stubby was credited with warning troops of gas attacks, improving morale, and even capturing a German soldier. This book has been impossible to keep on the shelf since its arrival!

•

The Tapir Scientist: Saving South America’s Largest Mammal by Sy Montgomery, Photographs by Nic Bishop – Few people have ever seen the Brazilian lowland Tapir, and Montgomery and Bishop set out to find, track, and study the animal. By merging current technology like You Tube videos and websites with traditional text and stunning pictures they have created a sure-to-be award winning title that illustrates both the importance of the Tapir in the Brazilian ecosystem and the dangers of scientific study.

•

The Case of the Vanishing Honeybees: A Scientific Mystery by Sandra Markle – The importance of honeybees to the survival of our environment is well-known, and Markle presents a brief overview of Colony Collapse Disorder that threatens the survival of the worker bees. Possible causes are explored as the importance of the survival of the bees is emphasized. Beautiful, full-color photographs highlight each page.

•

Elephant Talk: the Surprising Science of Elephant Communication by Ann Downer – `Who knew elephants communicated and experienced emotions much as humans seem to do? Downer presents the animals as social, chatty, and intelligent. She presents detailed information as to what every squeak, rumble, and snort might mean, as well as a discussion with accompanying photographs of the emotions such as grief that elephants experience.

•

Wild Horse Scientists by Kay Frydenborg – The Wild horses of Assateague Island – better known from the beloved Misty of Chincoteague series – as well as the people who study them are presented in this well-reviewed book. The work that researchers are attempting to do to control and maintain the population is discussed. Their dedication is apparent, as living conditions on the island are described. Places to seek additional information on both the island and its famous horses are also included in the book, as well as ways to see the horses in person.