WE TRAVEL SO FAR

While taking readers around the world, this book discusses various species’ migrations.

Twenty-six diverse species are discussed in this anthology of movement. Each animal is given a two-page spread that discusses the potential motivations for migration, and many hint at the challenges encountered along the way: The sockeye salmon must swim “past the hungry bears,” a snowy owl stoops menacingly over a pack of traveling Norway lemmings. The text is relatively sparse, offering five to six sentences about each species and its travels. Oddly, certain parts of the text are featured in an enlarged font, which may prompt emphasis if reading the book aloud, but its use is haphazard. The illustrations appear to be digitally created and span both pages, making good use of color and composition. If read to a class or group, the illustrations would project well to the back of the room. The final animals discussed are humans, and the range of ages, skin tones, and cultures is noteworthy. Sadly, though it’s in keeping with the very basic amount of information presented about animals, the information about human migration is superficial and will leave readers wanting more. The backmatter includes a map of the world, but migration patterns are not marked on it. Two pages of bare-bones data complete the book (with measurements in both English and metric systems); it, too, is scanty.

Let this one pass you by.