Paul Thurlby's Wildlife

K-Gr 4—A menagerie of animals is introduced in this innovative read-aloud. Though there's no documentation, the snippets of information provide unique facts about 24 individual species; for example, "monkeys split bananas from the bottom up-it's easier that way!" Blocky digital cartoon characters saturated in rich colors against faded backgrounds vibrantly exemplify each unique trait; a bee dances disco under a honey hive while the text reads, "Bees talk to one another by dancing in patterns." Visual details will elicit chuckles from the audience; a review of a bear's digestive process during hibernation depicts a helpful porcupine offering a sheet of tissue paper (the Bear Butts brand) while the animal reads on the toilet. In one slightly macabre scene, the crocodile opens his massive jaws while a hairy leg dangles in his mouth; a few drops of blood impress upon readers the seriousness of the situation. Playful typography adds to the drama. Bold, chunky letters emphasize the punch line ("FEED it and WEEP") while a single sentence offers a brief scientific statement: "Chewing makes crocodiles' tear ducts spill watery droplets." While the animal facts are more elucidating than the brief mention of the human race ("Humans' intelligence means we can do things that other animals cannot-like read this book!"), there's much here to devour. A delightful choice to whet youngsters' imaginations while exploring the wackier world of wildlife.—Meg Smith, Cumberland County Public Library, Fayetteville, NC