(4) K-3 Smithsonian's Backyard series. Illustrated by Higgins Bond. Groundhog leaves his mother and siblings and digs his own burrow nearby. The illustrations feature a realistically rendered creature exploring a suburban backyard and garden, eating beans, encountering the family dog, and defending himself. The text sticks with the animal's point of view, but the illustrations take a few missteps.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(3) K-3 Smithsonian's Backyard series. Illustrated by Kristin Kest. In this factual story of a bullfrog, readers learn about its predator and prey relationships, as well as mating rituals. Moths, herons, raccoons, and other frogs all play a role in Bullfrog's drama, while the illustrations lend warmth to the topic. Additional information about these amphibians is appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Jim St. Claire

(3) K-3 Smithsonian's Backyard series. Illustrated by Christopher Leeper. A factual text presents River Otter's life from spring to fall, including the growth and development of her cubs. Scenic double-page-spread illustrations enhance the simple text, and a note about river otters and identification of other animals appearing in the illustrations offers additional information. A good picture book introduction to the life and habits of river otters. Glos.

Reviewer: Beth L. Meister

(4) K-3 Smithsonian's Backyard series. Illustrated by Stephen Marchesi. Framed as a story but lacking narrative vigor, this text describes a box turtle's day as she looks for food, takes refuge from the midday sun, finds a safe nesting spot, and lays her eggs. The accompanying illustrations are awash with painterly texture, realistic detail, and rich earth tones. Additional facts about box turtles are appended. Glos.

Reviewer: Erica L. Stahler

(3) K-3 Smithsonian's Backyard series. Illustrated by Kristin Kest. In spring a bumblebee emerges from hibernation and finds a nest. Continuing with how bumblebees collect food and how the young larvae develop, the story sustains a natural narration without resorting to anthropomorphism. Large, smoothly executed bee's-eye paintings from both outside and inside the hive follow the action of the story. A note "about the bumblebee" adds context. Glos.

Reviewer: Anita L. Burkam

(3) K-3 Smithsonian's Backyard series. Illustrated by John Paul Genzo. When looking for food, a coyote explores the back yard at a new house on the edge of the desert, even drinking out of the wading pool before heading back up to the desert to howl for other coyotes. This is an informative snapshot of the daily habits of an animal living very close to civilization. Detailed illustrations of the coyote, rattlesnake, and other animals are realistic.

Reviewer: Maeve Visser Knoth