What to Expect When You're Expecting Joeys

Gr 1—3—If marsupial mamas-to-be were literate, they'd appreciate this guide to the birth and care of their joeys, called "pinkies" when they're first born. Though the author has written the book as if she were talking to them, the real intended audience is children, who will delight in the humor contained in the text as well as in the colorful illustrations of animals with animated facial expressions. Presented in a question-and-answer format, the book addresses such questions as, "What if I don't have a pouch? Help! I've looked everywhere!" or, "Should I make the pouch with paper or cloth?" Each question is answered with a blend of humor and factual information, and children will be able to discern, then empathize with, the mother's concern about her offspring. Heos explains vocabulary terms specific to marsupials, such as "cloaca," "joey," and "mob," and includes a glossary that defines these and other terms associated with marsupials. Teachers using this book have the opportunity to explain what anthropomorphism means and show how it applies to the critters in this book, then distinguish between which aspects of it are true to a marsupial's nature and which ones are human attributes.—Maggie Chase, Boise State University, ID