Jumping Penguins

Gr 1–4—This oversize volume is as much an art book as it is a book of animal facts. Tolman's visually interesting paintings are both sophisticated and child-friendly; the fanciful images leave such a strong impression that they demand conversation. The text-really expanded captions-presents charmingly quirky bits of information about each of the 27 animals. Youngsters learn that giraffes have no vocal cords and hippos' eyes, nose, and mouth are on the top of their heads. Some of the weirder facts are thrown out with something like nonchalance: Yes, marabous do have the tendency to eat animals fleeing from forest fires, no big deal. A sloth moves so slowly that green algae grows in its hair. This tone treats young animal lovers with respect, allowing them to decide for themselves how to feel about animal behavior. The index feels superfluous because no one would use the book for research. There are no source notes or bibliographies, so readers just have to take the creators at their word when they state, "A polar bear is left-handed, as are most artists."—Trina Bolfing, Westbank Libraries, Austin, TX