I’m always excited to add nonfiction series that spark curiosity while also supporting important reading skills, and the Top 10 Animal Extremes series by Rachel Rose is a strong example of that balance. These books immediately grab students’ attention with fascinating animal facts and a fun “top ten” countdown format that encourages readers to keep turning the pages.

This series works especially well for teaching and reinforcing nonfiction text features. Students naturally engage with the bold headings, numbered lists, captions, and photographs, learning how each feature helps them understand and organize information. The short sections and clear layout make it easy for readers to pause, discuss, and revisit details—perfect for modeling how to read nonfiction thoughtfully rather than rushing through it.

The strong visual elements are a major benefit in the elementary library. The photographs support comprehension and help students make text-to-image connections, while the concise paragraphs are approachable for readers who may feel overwhelmed by longer nonfiction texts. The “Top 10” structure also lends itself well to compare-and-contrast discussions, note-taking practice, and simple research activities.

I think this series would appeal to students that love the “Who Would Win” Series. Overall, Top 10 Animal Extremes (6 books series) is a dependable and engaging nonfiction series that would be a great addition to any elementary library collection. It supports visual literacy, builds confidence with nonfiction text features, and invites young readers to explore informational reading in a way that feels new, exciting and accessible.