Dogs: From Predator to Protector (Science Comics)

by Andy Hirsch (Author)

Reading Level: 4th − 5th Grade
Series: Science Comics

Come play evolutionary fetch with Andy Hirsch in this volume of Science Comics, an action-packed nonfiction graphic novel series for middle-grade readers!

How well do you know our favorite furry companion? Did they really descend from wolves? What's the difference between a Chihuahua and a Saint Bernard? And just how smart are they? Join one friendly mutt on a journey to discover the secret origin of dogs, how genetics and evolution shape species, and where in the world his favorite ball bounced off to.

Every volume of Science Comics offers a complete introduction to a particular topic--dinosaurs, coral reefs, the solar system, volcanoes, bats, flying machines, and more. These gorgeously illustrated graphic novels offer wildly entertaining views of their subjects. Whether you're a fourth grader doing a natural science unit at school or a thirty year old with a secret passion for airplanes, these books are for you!

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School Library Journal

Gr 5-8--How did wolves evolve into the dogs we know and love? Why are canines so varied compared with other species? How do dogs perceive the world? Narrated by Rudy, a chirpy, bandana-wearing pooch, this work of graphic nonfiction takes a deep dive into the world of canines. The jokes and sunny cartoon illustrations featuring tongue-lolling dogs will entice elementary school students. However, the challenging content and intricate sentence structure may stymie these readers. Most of the book is devoted to explaining canine evolution and genetics, including dominant and recessive traits, natural selection, and adaptation. Rudy also covers anatomy, behavior, and the development of breeds. Though the visuals clarify some of the more difficult points, the busy layouts full of text are daunting. The lengthy further reading list reflects Hirsch's meticulous research but contains only titles, articles, and websites that are aimed at adults. VERDICT Despite its youthful format, this volume is best suited for those with a basic grounding in biology. Middle schoolers seeking a user-friendly guide to read alongside their science textbooks may appreciate it.--Mahnaz Dar, School Library Journal

Copyright 2017 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

Review quotes

Praise for the Science Comics series:

"This series—written by a handful of authors—seems determined to offer a useful introduction to anything a curious grade-school student might wonder about. The insight behind these books is a powerful one. So much information about the world around us is actually better conveyed visually, through charts, illustrations, and sequential panels, than purely using words." —New York Times

"Like having a Time Life Science Library in comic books. Which is awesome!" —Popular Science

Praise for Science Comics: Dogs

"The artwork and text are attractive and interesting, and readers will learn how dinosaur bones became fossils and how their remains were eventually discovered. Great entry-level texts that will spark readers' interest in these topics." —School Library Journal

Andy Hirsch
Andy Hirsch is a cartoonist living in Dallas, Texas. He is the author and illustrator of several entries in First Second's Science Comics series including Dogs, Trees, Cats, and Rocks and Minerals
Classification
Non-fiction
ISBN-13
9781626727687
Lexile Measure
820
Guided Reading Level
-
Publisher
First Second
Publication date
October 20, 2017
Series
Science Comics
BISAC categories
JNF062030 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Comics & Graphic Novels | Science & Nature
Library of Congress categories
Dogs
Cartoons and comics
Comics (Graphic works)

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