(3) 4-6 With lively narrative writing and wonderfully detailed, painterly digital illustrations, Thornhill tells a meticulously researched history of the lowly grain-loving house sparrow, considered an agricultural nuisance since ancient times. Although its numbers have fallen, the bird has continually adapted to conditions on every continent except Antarctica. Appended with an origin and distribution map, life cycle chart, and a list of similarly adaptable animals. Websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Melinda Greenblatt

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Jacqui Lee. In this simple, cheery introduction to biology, Josephine describes her place in the natural world--as a human, a mammal, an animal, and a living thing. Two helpful appended pages list characteristics of these four groups, and the final page reminds readers they are each unique. Bright illustrations invite participation: e.g., "How many different kinds of mammals can you find on this page?"

Reviewer: Martha Sibert

(3) 4-6 This picture book describes how the features, characteristics, and circumstances of the great auk contributed to its eventual extinction in 1844. A lengthy, casual-toned text spans the penguin-like bird's interactions with northern peoples, including prehistoric humans, Vikings, Inuit, and European specimen-collectors. The illustrations, with rocky shorelines haunted by ghostlike, see-through auks, help convey the fragility of biodiversity. Reading list, websites. Bib., glos.

Reviewer: Bridget McCaffrey

(3) K-3 Illustrated by Ashley Barron. Young Kyle, a three-toed sloth, leaves his mother for the first time to travel from the rainforest canopy to its floor. Why? His weekly trip to relieve his bladder and bowels. He's nervous, but, encouraged by other rainforest creatures, he succeeds. Colorful collages, some vertical, first hide then reveal his helpful neighbors including a parrot and whipsnake. Factual information is appended.

Reviewer: Gail Hedges

(4) K-3 Illustrated by Josée Bisaillon. The forest creatures prepare for a phenomenon called "Winter." Lily, a young snowshoe hare, wonders what she should do before the feared visitor arrives. Surprise! Her coat turns snow-white, and she's all set. The text conveys accurate information, despite the irritatingly anthropomorphized animal characters. Lily's gradual transformation is portrayed via realistic mixed-media illustrations. The final two pages feature "Animal and Environmental Facts."

Reviewer: Frieda F. Bostian