(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 Shennen Bersani. A girl and her scientist father find salamanders in a vernal pool; for five months, she records what she and her dad observe about two hatchlings they bring to the lab ("since Dad is a scientist"). A scrapbook-like design includes color photos of varying quality and amateurish drawings. More information about salamanders and the work of biologists is appended.

Reviewer: Jack Forman

(4) K-3 In accessible if pedestrian text, this compact volume covers ways raptor centers rehabilitate injured, ill, or orphaned birds of prey such as eagles, owls, and falcons. Large color photos feature the birds (both in recovery and in the wild) as well as their human helpers, though the page design is uninspired. Additional information--including how to help an injured raptor--and a quiz are appended.

Reviewer: Katie Bircher

(4) K-3 Color photos depict rescued aquatic animals being cared for in aquariums. Veterinarians, ichthyologists, and other aquatic biologists show how they care for and study injured salt- and fresh-water species before the text asks, "Would you like to work in an aquarium?" Awkward layouts and a distracting sandlike background detract from the appealing information. Facts, quizzes, and further information are appended.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by John Gomes. After discovery, Kali is transported to a wildlife vet and then to the Alaska Zoo where he learns to eat solid food, play with keepers and toys, and swim. Kali ultimately moves to a permanent home at the Buffalo Zoo and meets a female cub. The design is amateur, but the plentiful, close-up action photos are appealing. Additional information and activities are appended.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Simple text asks young readers if they could perform the various tasks of a zookeeper ("Could you give a baby moose a bottle or teach a lamb to walk on a leash?"). Appealing color photos show zoo favorites and less-familiar species, though some images are unfortunately obscured in the book's gutter. Additional information on zookeepers, zoo habitats, and wildlife conservation is appended.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Chad Wallace. This elegant picture book chronicles the life of a male sea horse, touching on growth, mating, "pregnancy" (male sea horses carry eggs), and birthing process. Though informative, the text is rife with lyrical language (e.g., of the mating ritual: "he waltzes around her to music only they can hear"). Soft-edged digital illustrations draw the reader into a dreamlike underwater world. Websites. Glos.

Reviewer: Betsy Thomas

(3) K-3 Appealing close-up photos of wild animal orphans being fed and doctored by specially trained people show how injured or abandoned creatures can thrive with extra intervention. The goal is to reintroduce them into the wild once they are physically fit. Large photos without busy backgrounds and limited text target younger audiences. Appended activities include more detailed information about caring for injured wildlife.

Reviewer: Paula M. Cairo

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Emanuel Schongut. When Mama Turtle lays her eggs in Maggie's sandbox, Maggie and her mom devote themselves to caring for the turtles until they are old enough to release. Maggie, the story itself, and the gentle illustrations are largely vehicles for information about the turtles, their habits, and the need to protect diamondback terrapins. The last pages feature turtle facts and crafts.

Reviewer: Miriam Steinberg-Egeth