PreS-Gr 3 An engaging, informative book encouraging ecological awareness for young readers. The ecosystem of a giant redwood tree is charmingly presented in this beautifully illustrated counting book that uses rhyme and rhythm based on the numbers one through 10, stanzas, and snippets of facts about animals who actually live in the redwoods. The text emphasizes counting, number recognition, and simple animal facts. Exquisite, highly detailed illustrations in a palette of natural woodland colors and tones complement the text. The pictures have a soft, blurred edge, which makes all the creatures, even the wood rats, seem appealing. The illustrated animals and the text are displayed in large enough format for young readers to easily discern, enabling them to make the connection between the words, numbers, and pictures. End notes add to the value of this title. There is a fact sheet about giant redwoods, another about the animals featured, a pictorial index to additional animals, and several authoritative online resources listed, as well as QR code access. A STEAM activities page has five educational and age-appropriate projects, such as making bark pictures by using the long side of crayons on paper held against a tree. VERDICT An excellent addition to any nonfiction collection, a great classroom tool for STEAM, and a fun read-a-loud at school, in the library, and at home. Gretchen Crowley, formerly at Alexandria City Public Libraries, VA

Fredericks presents 10 species that dwell in Northern California's towering redwood forests. A northern spotted owl welcomes readers in an introductory "Dear Humans" note, explaining that by climbing the redwoods, scientists have discovered the rich complexity of animal life high in the canopy. From one "single soaring Eagle" to "ten spotted Ladybugs," the species are depicted in their environments. "Six chattering Chipmunks" cavort upon a humus mat made of decomposing needles and other debris, while "seven busy Bumblebees" visit a huckleberry bush growing high above. The rhyming verses aren't artful, but they successfully introduce Wallace's detailed natural settings and the one-to-10 counting scheme. Each fourth line reads "And now comes number…"—providing predictability that a wide age range will find engaging. Wallace's compositions depict the animals in varying niches in the huge tree. Three salamanders hunt insects in the shaggy bark, while eight bats roost in a dark hollow. A final spread requires a quarter-turn of the book in order to marvel at the height and breadth of a redwood grove, where the white family from the cover appears, antlike, silhouetted below. The excellent aftermatter includes a section with facts and 10 additional animals to find. Pages for parents and teachers provide STEAM activities, websites, and more. From a publisher devoted to connecting children and nature, a worthwhile exploration of a fascinating aerial habitat. (Informational picture book. 3-8)