(4) PS Illustrated by Rick Chrustowski. Seven freshly hatched chicks explore their world as Mama and the aunties (Bantam hens) protect them from barnyard dangers. Although this snapshot of farm life is weak on plot, the action and onomatopoeia will appeal to young listeners. Colorful collage illustrations capture the chicks' boundless energy and curiosity. An author's note describes the brooding process and the importance of a mother hen's "language."

Reviewer: Sethany Rancier Alongi

(2) K-3 Illustrated by Rick Chrustowski. Introducing the inhabitants of a Panamanian rainforest, Sayre helps readers to observe clues indicating the approach of a swarm of hungry army ants. When the ants arrive, the action shifts between the swarm and its hunt for food and the repercussions on other animals' food gathering. The richly colored illustrations focus on the ground-level activity. A list of further resources would have been helpful.

Reviewer: Danielle J. Ford | Horn Book Magazine Issue: September, 2002

(4) 4-6 Illustrated by Rick Chrustowski. In four accessible chapters illustrated with black-and-white drawings and often poorly reproduced photos, Altman discusses the work zookeepers and zoo nutritionists do to determine what and how to feed a variety of animal species held in captivity. The book concludes with a comparison of various animals' diets in the wild and in captivity. Ind.

Reviewer: Cindy Lombardo