The Life Cycles series (12 titles) introduces this essential elementary science concept in short chapters with descriptive paragraphs and colorful, full-page, captioned photographs, many of which feature up-close perspectives. Each volume begins similarly, recognizing that humans, animals, and plants all have life cycles, and includes relevant information about each living being, such as physical characteristics, food sources, and environment, while tracing its path from initial formation to maturity and explaining simple reproduction. The Life Cycle of a Chicken emphasizes both the chick stage (how they peck their way out of eggs, grow, eat, etc.) and the differences between fertilized and unfertilized eggs. A large life-cycle diagram concludes each book in this series that goes beyond just the basics.