Whose Footprint Is That?

PreS-K–Budding naturalists will appreciate this animal tracking guessing game. Presented with a large animal footprint replica on a white background, readers must deduce which animal left its mark. A sneak peek of the creature’s nose, tail, or ears also aids in solving the mystery. Junior detectives will love matching the animals with their tracks. A full spread of the footprint culprit follows, showing the animal in its natural habitat. Readers will likely be familiar with the flamingo, the mountain goat, the chimpanzee, the snowshoe hare, and the snake. However, the walleroo (a smaller cousin of the kangaroo) may be new to them. A dinosaur’s fossil print is included in the lineup, though the species is not identified. A final test of skill asks, “Can an animal change its footprints?” In response, the book displays a range of human footwear, including ice skates, hiking boots, and flippers. High-contrast gouache illustrations with minimal background distractions make the animals easy to identify and locate. Details in the artwork add texture and depth. Though pictured, the animals’ habitat and geographic location are not described. Still, this title has broad appeal and application for preschoolers.