(4) K-3 Illustrated by Susan Detwiler. Photographs by Brady Barr, Jessica Rosnick, and Mario Aldecoa. This accessible diary, in English with occasional Spanish words and translations, gives a fictionalized account of schoolchildren's hands-on study of American crocodiles in Costa Rica. Alexa records the progress of a baby croc from its hatching to its release in the wild. Page design is haphazard, but realistic drawings and photographs lend a you-are-there feel; back matter provides more information about crocs and conservation.

Reviewer: Luther B. Clegg

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Susan Detwiler. The text examines the instinctual nature of some types of animals (such as caribou, salamanders, and horseshoe crabs) to move in large groups for reasons related to survival, including reproduction, food and water, and shelter. Brightly painted double-page-spread illustrations and large print make the book accessible but very cramped. More information is appended.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Susan Detwiler. Tiger chases a gibbon up a tree; Tiggy chases a spider off her porch. Cheetah stakes out her savannah territory; little Chessie scares a mouse in her house. This slight book explores the similarities between wild cat and domestic "little kitty" behavior; the richly colored illustrations reinforce cats' predatory nature, though the cutesy dialogue doesn't. Additional activities are appended.

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian