School Library Journal Review

Gr 3-5-A cartoon character named Joe introduces each of these survival books, discussing how he managed to endure being swept away at sea or lost in the rainforest, all through his scientific know-how. Sidebars briefly discuss Joe's journey and how he became endangered, while the accompanying spreads discuss what he saw (animals at sea, such as sharks and humpback whales) and what put him in danger (a hurricane). The books breakdown the science, discussing where waves come from and why the sea is salty. Students looking for genuine survival tales, replete with tips, may long for books with a bit more danger, but there is some solid science on offer, presented through a fairly creative lens. (c) Copyright 2012. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.