EAGLES

Like the Bernhards' Ladybug and Dragonfly, a succinct yet surprisingly comprehensive portrayal of an interesting species. Beginning with eagles in art and symbol from Greek vases and a 1000-year-old Mexican carving to the US passport, the author defines characteristics of the four groups of eagles, outlines their habits and life cycle, and concludes with their place in the environment and need for protection. Again, his wife's bold illustrations strike a remarkable balance between stylization and images so precisely observed that they can be used for identification. Her palette is softer than heretofore, and even more subtle. Words beyond the normal eight-year-old's range are well defined in context and repeated in a glossary. An excellent introduction. (Nonfiction. 6-10)