QUAIL HATCHERY

Grade 2-4-Readers can follow the hatching process of a wide variety of eggs in this eye-catching photographic presentation. Introductory pages define an egg, name groups of animals that lay them, and show diagrams of one developing in a hen. Most examples presented are from the bird family, but amphibians, insects, snakes, and even a slug are represented. Some specific animals may be unfamiliar to the young, but the common theme of similarity in the hatching process will be evident to all. A spacious format contains carefully captioned photographs that demonstrate time differences and techniques required by the emerging young.

While somewhat repetitious, this approach does show the similarities of offspring in all egg-laying creatures. Christine Back's Chicken & Egg (Silver Burdett, 1991) and Joanna Cole's A Chick Hatches (Morrow, 1976) offer more comprehensive information. Burton's book is one that children and teachers will reach for to further their understanding of the fascinating emergence of new life.