I read this book as a science text with my 2nd grader, and it was great. Every chapter is devoted to a different animal native to America, some of which I didn't even know about. In an engaging story you learn about the the physical description, diet, habits, habitat, and relatives of each animal. Though we struggled a bit with the bird book at age 6 (more my fault, honestly), my 7 year old enjoyed learning about all our country's many mammals in this book. The only criticism I have is that I wish there were more pictures, preferably in color. We supplemented with YouTube videos after a while though, so it all worked out. I recommend it to anyone considering it for Ambleside Online in particular, and to homeschooling parents in general.

I am reading this with my 5-year-old animal loving son. We are having so much fun reading it. He begs me to read more & more. We have both learned so much from it & can't wait to read more of Burgess' books. After each chapter we rush to the computer to look up pictures & more info on the animals we learned about.

Gus and I listened to every book of Thornton W. Burgess’ that is on Librivox. Gus loves animals and nature and these are a favorite bedtime listen.

Joel wishes this would go on and on.

Such a wonderful book for teaching children (and yourself) about animals. There is a ton of information, but it is told in an interesting way.

I read this book to my 8 year old for science this year as it was on Ambleside online's list for nature study. She loved it. A true "living book" and we learned all about animals in North America told in a narrative style. Delightful.

I thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading this to my boys for almost a year now. It's packed with great sources of information on each mammal of North America. I'll always treasure the memory of this book.

First read by my mother before I was able to read.

Definitely a living book- a fun way to introduce your children to the many, MANY different creatures in North America. It covers a lot of ground quickly, so if you're looking for in-depth details of different animals, this isn't what you're looking for. However, if you're looking for an engaging way to help your children understand what a VARIETY of creatures exist in North America, this is a great way to do it. My kids chuckled at parts, and I definitely learned while reading with them.

Most children enjoy learning about animals, mine included. Thorton Burgess does not disappoint in this lovely classic perfect for natural science studies. After reading the chapter we would view YouTube videos of the animals. I would try to find the ones that put them in their natural settings. The kids created a taxonomy record using the Peterson Field Guide Coloring Book following the key provided by Kelly Kenar, http://www.amblesideonline.org/TaxonK...

We chanced upon a series of Burgess' animal books at an old bookstore. They were priced very high so I was a bit curious, as I had never heard of the author or his works. The owner recommended the reads-assuring me they were classics in terms of childrens lit.

They are such sweet stories about animals, loaded with little facts about the forest and beyond.

My boys love this and the other Burgess books. I take away a star for his annoying habit of making man seem terrible for hunting.