Reviews:

Booklist
Gr. 3-7. Piercing, ruby-red mouse eyes peer out from the stark, white cover of this introduction to albino creatures. In chapters grouped by animal category (reptiles and amphibians, sea mammals, and so on), the lively text cites real-life examples of albino animals and discusses the special concerns that albinism raises in each species. Halls' text is clear and straightforward, but younger children may still have trouble grasping the complicated genetic concepts. The sharp, close-up images of startling, snow-white species will attract a wide range of browsers, though, as will the bizarre anecdotes: Miss Vicki, an albino pug, wears "doggles" to protect her sensitive eyes from sunlight. A final chapter about human albinism echoes Halls' message: all instances of albinism are "beautiful examples of nature's diversity." The wild facts and eye-popping visuals will encourage children to learn more about the underlying basic science. A glossary and a bibliography close this substantive picture book for older readers.

School Library Journal
Grade 4-6–Halls's curiosity and awe of albino animals is evident in her writing as she tracks down incidents of this genetic wonder around the world and across species. After overcoming the incredible odds against inheriting the recessive gene for albinism from both parents, these unique creatures begin life having already used up the greater part of their luck. Their striking white appearance leaves them exposed to the sharp eyes of predators, and the lack of melanin in their skin makes them particularly vulnerable to the harmful rays of the sun. The author's discussion consists mainly of a reiteration of these two dangers for each new animal she introduces, resulting in somewhat tedious repetition. The stories rarely have happy endings. The striking cover photo of an albino mouse is likely to draw in curious animal lovers, but the rodent's bulging red eyes provide a clue that this is not a cute, snuggly book. The effect of a white animal on a white background may be appealing on the cover, but the internal photographs become washed out and at times leave their subjects looking more freakish than they truly are. Still, this is an acceptable addition for libraries seeking to satisfy a demand for information on this intriguing topic.

Children’s Literature
Pick up this fact-filled book and follow the tale of albino animals who exist in a world of color. Beginning with the cover-page photo of the albino mouse, to Snowflake the albino gorilla featured on the back cover, this book presents a well-told tale of a path less traveled. Hall’s introduction offers an excellent explanation about how albinism occurs, making it easy for readers to grasp the concept. Seven different groupings of animals are covered. Groupings include reptiles and amphibians as well as fish and shellfish. The accompanying photographs are excellent. Close-ups of a stingray and hummingbird, both albinos, are just a few of the creatures that will warrant a second look. Informative sidebars are found on many pages. The section on “The Rarest of the Rare” informs the readers as to why they may never e seen by humans. The author rounds out her book with a section on humans, a topic that warrants a book of its own. Pictures will be enjoyed by even elementary aged children, but the best target age is 10 and up. Science and biology teachers will gain student attention when they use this book in the classroom.

The Huntsville Times
The e-mail took me by surprise about a month ago: A writer in Washington had seen my story on a miniature white mule. Would I be interested in reviewing her book on albino animals?

Pleasure (every writer loves it when someone actually reads what she’s written) mingled with dread. What if the book were bad?

The book arrived, and I could confidently report that this is a neat book, chock full of interesting photos and facts about animals whose skin (or scales or feathers) produce no melanin.

Author Kelly Milner Halls’ other book, Dinosaur Mummies, was chosen as a 2003 Booklist Top-Ten Science/Technology Book for Youth. Her Albino Animals, already a Junior Library Guild selection, should get similar consideration.

She clearly and simply explains how albinism occurs and explores the risks to such animals in the wild and their attraction for pet owners.

The Midwest Book Review
Kelly Milner Halls' Albino Animals is an informed and informative picture book about albinism - the hereditary trait that causes a complete lack of pigmentation in mammals which usually resulting in an entirely white color with bright red eyes. Captivating color photography of albino mammals, birds, reptiles, insects, and even a person, enhance this fascinating and straightforwardly scientific presentation which is especially recommended for young readers.

From the nomination letter for the NCTE Orbis Pictus Award
From the first explanation of albinism through the bibliography, the book is clear and concise, written with gentle humor, obvious delight in the topic, and a certain elegance....While it is nonfiction, readers read it from cover to cover. Give us five more examples of that to work with! It just doesn't happen.

St Louis Post-Dispatch, August 18, 2004
"Author Kelly Milner Halls includes the causes of albinism, the health implications for the animal in question and many specific cases. Written for ages 9-14, younger children will be drawn in by the many photographs. A great learning experience for those interested in albino animals in the wild and at home."

Philadelphia Weekly ,TOP FIVE OF THE MOMENT, August 2004
"...cool but creepy all-white children's book...about cool but creepy all-white animals."

The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation Newsletter
" 'Albino Animals' is probably the best non-fiction book on albinism currently available to youngsters. On top of that, the subject matter is just this side of fascinating ... I can't praise this book enough. For fabulous factual information and pages of tales that anyone would find exciting, "Albino Animals" is, like its namesakes, truly one-of-a-kind."

Capital Choices
"From the striking cover of a white mouse with red eyes (who is a real albino) to pictures of all species inside, including the white tiger (who isn't a real albino), this book will attract browsers and students alike."

Kathleen Baxter, Literacy expert and author of GOTCHA! NONFICTION BOOKTALKS TO GET KIDS EXCITED ABOUT READING and GOTCHA AGAIN
"What a great topic to grab kids (and frankly, practically anyone)! This is a delightfully written book with great photographs on a fascinating subject."