Days of the week, a satisfying rhyme scheme, vivid art, and interesting animals.

A jaunty, informative introduction to the Galapagos Islands with cheerful collage art. A boy and girl meet one creature for each day as they rhyme their way through a week. Giant tortoises on Monday, albatrosses on Tuesday, marine iguanas on Wedneday, red lava crabs on Thursday, blue-footed boobies on Friday, sea lions on Saturday and frigate birds on Sunday. The rhymes are well-done and pleasing to the ear and factual: "On Thursday, skipping lava crabs, With shells of brilliant red, Find food that hides in ebbing tides/Across the lava bed." The refrain will keep young readers singing along with the characters. Back matter includes facts about geology, cllimate and history of the Galapagos Islands; species accounts of other creatures on the islands; and a brief account of Charles Darwin's expedition and studies. ( )

$16.99