Following in the footsteps of Gale's acclaimed Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia, 2nd Ed., Grzimek's Student Animal Life Resource offers broad, comprehensive coverage of the animal kingdom, ranging from the simple — sponges and corals — to the complex — mammals. In this 20-volume set, animals are grouped by major classifications: sponges; corals; jellyfishes; segmented worms; crustaceans and mollusks; insects; fishes; amphibians; reptiles birds; and mammals.

In addition, this student edition includes an overview with photos and illustrations, and is present in each volume of the set. The "Words to Know" section gives a pronunciation and definition within the text to scientific or other difficult terms and names. Also included in this version are the Species List by Biome and Species List by Geographic Range.