Estuary Animals

Life in the estuary is always changing. Ocean tides of salt water flow in and out of the estuary and mix with the fresh water that flows from rivers and streams. The animals that swim or wade in the waters or make the mudflats their homes must have physical or social adaptations that allow them to live in the salty mix. In this book, readers in grades 3-5 will discover how and why animals survive and thrive in these sheltered biomes. This NGSS-aligned series is packed with interesting facts and vivid photos that introduce readers to a variety of land and water animals. Each book includes a glossary, comprehension questions, and an activity for home or the classroom.

Life in the estuary is always changing. Ocean tides of salt water flow in and out of the estuary and mix with the fresh water that flows from rivers and streams.

After a general introduction to the featured biome, including a location map, numerous animals from the environment are pictured and described. Different varieties of each biome are neatly grouped into separate chapters. Freshwater Pond Animals, for example, looks at animals that live on the bottom of a pond, in the middle, on the surface, and at the edges. Each book highlights at least 10 creatures, providing a few selected facts. In some cases just a single attribute is noted, such as the caribou’s migration pattern. Other profiles examine multiple attributes; a spread on argali sheep, for instance, mentions herds, diet, and coats. Photographs provide solid support, with varied layouts and views that highlight the animal and its environment. VERDICT Brief, but engaging information makes this a good choice for browsers - SLJ Fall 2019

Life in the estuary is always changing. Ocean tides of salt water flow in and out of the estuary and mix with the fresh water that flows from rivers and streams. The animals that swim or wade in the waters or make the mudflats their homes must have physical or social adaptations that allow them to live in the salty mix. Discover how and why animals survive and thrive in these sheltered biomes.