My Community Loves Me

PreS-Gr 2–Like human babies, different types of baby animals need to be cared for and helped by the community around them in order to flourish. Mexican free-tailed bats called pups will huddle closely with the other bats while their moms go search for food. Young American coyotes, also called pups, get nourishment by drinking their mothers’ milk. Michels’s book circles around to very young children who need support from their parents, caregivers, and community in order to grow and hit necessary milestones. This book provides helpful guidance for parents and caregivers regarding their babies’ development along with fascinating facts about animal babies and their families; there are foster families, siblings, cousins, and other references that will draw children into the similarities. The illustrations, in an earthy palette and light-filled impressionistic strokes, open with a picture of an adorable baby with brown skin before moving into the longer presentation of animal babies. Children who are animal enthusiasts will enjoy learning more; the book has a little bit for everyone. However, the narrative arc will not hold readers who aren’t already fond of animals, and the child-development aspect may not be enough to pull them in.