Zoology for Kids by Josh and Bethanie Hestermann

Title: Zoology for Kids – Understanding and Working with Animals, with 21 Activities

Author: Josh and Bethanie Hestermann

Publisher: Chicago Review Press

Published: March 1st, 2015

Rating: 5/5

This book is organised into two main sections – the first is “Zoology for Beginners” and the second is “Working on the Wild Side – Zoology in Real Life”. Within these sections are chapters, each of which includes “hands on” zoologically based activities for readers to have a go at. It even goes on to give career advice for anyone who would like to take their interest in zoology further into a job! Throughout the book correct terminology is introduced and any key vocabulary is shown in bold text which also indicated that term is included in the book’s glossary. There are detailed explanations of all things zoological – from cell structure, tissues, skeletons, key features, animal welfare – you name it, it is probably in this book. At intervals throughout the book there are additional interesting information boxes sharing facts that relate to the chapter. In the second section there is additional information about particular zoologists and their jobs. There is even information on animal classification!

There are stunning photographs of creatures great and small throughout this book which introduces many facts about zoology, zoos and zoologists to readers. This is not a picture book for the young, it is a meticulously researched and beautifully presented book on this subject and the activities in each chapter will really intrigue and inspire children to ‘have a go’!

Teachers, this book is packed with great ideas for activities, many of which could easily be used in class. It is also a well structured book giving  lots of information which is well presented and organised. It also helps promote environmental awareness and may inspire some pupils to aspire to become active zoologists in their own neighbourhood and, just maybe, to consider this as a career for themselves in future.

Thanks to the author, publishers and NetGalley, too, for letting me read an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This book is available from a variety of sources including

amazon.co.uk    amazon.com     barnes and noble