(3) 4-6 Arnosky explains how the showy appearances or behaviors of animals help them to find mates, scare off predators, and communicate. His excellent illustrations, some across foldout pages, include dramatic portrayals of animals in full display as well as smaller sketches that provide variations across species. Personal notes from the naturalist author-illustrator at the beginning and end add an intimate touch. Reading list.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 Arnosky shares his observations of animals that use camouflage to blend into their surroundings. Excellent explanations highlight the ways that shape, texture, color, and adaptability help these animals survive. His signature combination of finely detailed pencil sketches and full-page acrylic illustrations showcase reptiles, birds, sea animals, and more, over several foldout spreads and in a variety of environments. Reading list.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford

(3) 4-6 How do animals survive the piercing cold and ice of winter? Arnosky invites readers to learn with his signature combination of detailed pencil sketches, colorful paintings, and a conversational narrative. Foldout spreads reveal Arctic and Antarctic animals with cold-weather adaptations for finding food and shelter, navigating in deep snow, building homes, etc. A personal author's note and a child-friendly book list are included.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) 4-6 With respect, knowledge, and fascination, Arnosky introduces a dozen top mammal predators (large cats, bears, and wolves), using well-selected facts and conversational prose to interest and inform readers. Detailed, richly colored paintings--some on foldouts--command attention, while smaller pencil drawings (labeled in cursive) combine to complement this accurate yet highly personal celebration of the fearsome beasts. Reading list.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 This volume contains no new material but instead compiles three of Arnosky's previous titles: Wild Tracks, Slither and Crawl, and Thunder Birds. It embodies his uncondescending narration of accurate information and meticulous artwork for both colorful large views--some on foldouts--and small details in black and white. As always, his informed appreciation of the animals shines through. Reading list.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 This follow-up to Slither and Crawl and Creep and Flutter examines marine animals, including stingrays, dolphins, jellyfish, and sharks. In a conversational tone, Arnosky relates personal yet information-filled stories of encountering these creatures while boating or simply wading in the ocean. Detailed paintings illustrate the text, and several foldout spreads add to the appeal of this up-close look at the sea. Reading list.

Reviewer: Jennifer M. Brabander

(3) K-3 Little Burro reluctantly follows her band of wild burros away from her favorite rock to a lake, which soon becomes her "other favorite place." Inspired by a real experience (delineated in the author's note), naturalist and artist Arnosky infuses his appreciation for the natural world into the gentle story. Imbued with desert warmth, illustrations with simple borders picture hummingbirds, wild cactus, lizards, and rocky ledges.

Reviewer: Sheila M. Geraty

(3) 4-6 This introductory volume encourages readers to be "mindful of the small." Arnosky highlights specimens in labeled groupings that he presents--textually and visually--in accurate, captivating, and even tender detail. Conversational prose is illustrated with the author's own acrylic and pencil artwork, some "supersized," with magnification scale noted. The information-rich layouts are attractively designed; several fold-outs enable expansive viewing. Reading list.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Arnosky's amiable illustrations accompany Crinkleroot's generalized advice to "give back to Nature." Some suggestions, such as putting out seed for birds in winter, may be doable for kids. But others are vague, if sometimes environmentally questionable, such as planting butterfly bushes, which are considered invasive in over two dozen states.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) 4-6 Inviting readers to join him on a "monster hunt," Arnosky ponders the existence of "mysterious creatures" and compares real animals once thought to be folkloric (or extinct) with legendary creatures Bigfoot, Nessie, and Champ from Lake Champlain. Characteristic Arnosky illustrations support a conversational narrative that questions what's real or possible, making this a friendly outing intended to inspire further research. Resources not included.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(3) 4-6 Arnoksy's ode to birds of prey includes information about vultures, pelicans, loons, etc. Four spreads depicting life-size illustrations of eagles, hawks, and falcons; owls; herons and egrets; and pelicans are standouts. The brief description of each species provides some context to this visual tribute to the largest birds in the sky. Reading list.

Reviewer: Pearl Higgins

(3) K-3 Arnosky reminds readers that as they go about their days, animals are engaged in activities both similar and different to theirs: "Every moment of your day / is matched by other moments / near and far away." Through rhythmic text and expansive paintings, Arnosky succeeds in presenting a thoughtful celebration of the natural world that's well suited for bedtime sharing. "Notes on Animals" are appended.

Reviewer: Tamara DePasquale

(2) K-3 A pregnant manatee hurt by a boat propeller's blades is rescued and transferred to an aquarium. She gives birth, then mother and offspring are released back home. Arnosky's signature style is perfect for conveying the gentle bulk of the manatees as they glide through both the sunny, pastel mangroves of their natural habitat and the smaller, confined waters of the aquarium.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: May, 2010

(3) 4-6 Sandy and Jack know their father caused their brother's death and now they suspect he's killed their mother. When Dad flees with them to Florida, the boys decide to run away and live as pirates in the Keys. The brothers team up with colorful locals to dodge both wildlife and their dad in this well-paced adventure.

Reviewer: Antonio Trujillo

(3) 4-6 This informal account of Arnosky's South Florida expeditions to observe American crocodiles lures readers with a conversational text that conveys excellent scientific information. The book is divided into sections, which lead readers naturally from Arnosky and his wife's first crocodile sighting to their twentieth. Habitat notes and vivid acrylics accompany the presentation. Back matter includes an original song and DVD.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) 4-6 In meticulous, accessible prose, Arnosky describes dozens of mostly North American reptiles, from snakes to crocodiles. The lush acrylic illustrations--including foldouts--are essentially life-size and put the reader at eye level with these animals. Smaller drawings (unfortunately captioned in tiny cursive) show other views and specimens. Reading list.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(3) K-3 "I'm a turkey, / they call me Tom, / I got a turkey dad and a turkey mom." Young Tom tells readers what it's like to be a wild turkey. Arnosky slips some very basic facts into the good-natured text, offering readers a bit of information with the jaunty rhyme. The playful illustrations are equal parts realistic and humorous.

Reviewer: Kitty Flynn

(3) K-3 With characteristic accuracy and detail, Arnosky classifies the footprints of deer and other hoofed animals, bears, felines, canines, reptiles, birds, and small animals such as raccoons and mice. Each is described with a page of sophisticated yet readable text, a full-page realistic painting of the animal in its habitat, some black-and-white sketches, and detailed life-size drawings (four are foldouts) of various tracks.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian

(4) K-3 Arnosky adapts one of his songs, about the eating habits of raccoons, sharks, whales, crocodiles, and pandas, into a picture book. The bouncy, rhythmic lyrics work better when set to music than they do in print, but readers can sing along to the accompanying CD. The book, cheerfully illustrated with acrylics, works as a not-too-gory introduction to the food chain.

Reviewer: Norah Piehl

(3) K-3 A school of dolphins becomes stranded on a sandbar. With the help of some people, the dolphins eventually make their way back into the sea. Arnosky incorporates facts about marine life while heightening the story's drama ("sharks cruised back and forth, waiting to ambush the weakened dolphins"). Likewise, his acrylic illustrations shift from dark to light as the danger lifts.

Reviewer: Elissa Gershowitz