ANIMALS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD

Goats and guinea pigs, sheep and silkworms, codfish and camels, rats, mosquitoes and microbes (no longer classified as animals) have changed the natural world and human culture. This occasionally sketchy survey is organized in chapters covering domesticated animals, pets, animals that encouraged trade and travel, those that spread disease, the evolution of animals into human beings, the microbes that live inside us and finally a group of "animals that spark inspiration." There's no question it will appeal to fact-loving middle graders, though some information might be questioned (the speculation that Bigfoot represents a "missing link" between humans and apes is hugely problematic, for instance). The lively design presents short paragraphs and multiple illustrations. Repeating sections include “mug shots,” facts from names through claims to fame, a “speak of the beast” feature that explains common sayings and gee-whiz “animals did what?!” revelations. Unusual words are highlighted and defined in context, and there is a map and an index (useful for species but not for places). Suggestions for further reading and selected sources as well as a timeline complete the package. (Nonfiction. 7-10)