Editorial Review

This useful series introduces the major groupings of invertebrates, with information about the class or phylum as well as some facts about individual species. The first couple of chapters look at the common features and unique behaviors within the group. Multiple examples of species are briefly introduced, often with especially interesting characteristics highlighted, such as sea stars’ regeneration ability. Photographs offer good close-up views of the animals, from microscopic images of tardigrades to the bizarre body of an arrow crab, though many species are named and briefly described without an accompanying photo. A life cycle chapter includes a clear diagram. The last two chapters note each group’s role in the earth’s ecosystem and its prospects for survival in the future. VERDICT Accessible, appealing overviews, some of which introduce species that will be new to many young learners.