5 to 8 years old. One of three magazines for children put out by the National Wildlife Federation, the Big Backyard satisfies the emerging reader who can't get enough about animals. Mostly photos articles with a small amount of text and no ads, the 38 paged magazine also includes illustrations coupled with fictional stories, crafts and games. In the Big Backyard, photos represent to children that they are reading a non-fiction piece. Each non-fiction article focuses on one specific wild animal as they did with Snowy Owls in the December/ January 2012 issue. Multiple pictures from it's typical daily life are included. This is followed by a guessing game about Snowy Owls and a craft. The magazine also has a fictional story with little animal pictures in place of words to help beginning readers along and a section with photos taken by real children and their families. The photos may include pictures of animals in their backyard or how they did crafts proposed by the magazine. Beginning readers who love animals, will enjoy pouring over the Big Backyard. Being only $19.95 for 10 issues a year, librarians will fill a need created by children who have perused every animal book the library has to offer. It is highly recommended to public and elementary libraries. ( )