Stripes of All Types

PreS-Gr 2—Striped animals from around the world are featured in this informational picture book. The lyrical, rhyming text briefly describes each creature in action in its habitat: "Prowling the prairie,/perched on a peak./Crawling on cactus,/and camped by a creek." Stockdale's corresponding acrylic illustrations show a North American badger stalking through tall grass; an African bongo in the moonlight; cactus bees collecting nectar, and a baby Malayan tapir shaded by palm trees. A clearly written glossary serves as an identification guide, from the exotic purple-striped jellyfish ("Stripes found in water") to the familiar tabby cat ("Stripes found with children, curled in their arms"), and explains how each animal benefits from having stripes. A matching game encourages close observation. This engaging introduction to patterns in nature is a visual delight.—Linda Ludke, London Public Library, Ontario, Canada