Put On Some Antlers and Walk Like a Moose

Gr 5-8--For young readers interested in animal studies, this is a great place to start. Sayre provides an in-depth look at the work of field scientists--researchers who study animals in their natural habitats. The topics covered range from ways of finding animals, such as tracks and birdcalls, to the methods used to identify individual creatures, such as using tracking devices or taking close note of unique patterns of natural markings. Long-term studies are also discussed. The final chapter details educational requirements for this profession and the types of work available. Sources for further information about this work are included. The well-organized text is enhanced by clear, full-color photos. The author, while obviously enthusiastic about her subject, makes every effort to present a realistically balanced view of the job by also mentioning some of its more negative aspects, such as job instability, health risks, and the potential dangers of work in some foreign countries. The extensive list for further reading includes books as well as videos and Web sites. This lively and informative book will be an excellent resource for budding naturalists, but it should also be of interest to more casual browsers and students seeking information for reports on careers.

Arwen Marshall, New York Public Library

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