Age-appropriate science in an appealing pop-up format.This book conveys a surprising amount of information through clear and easily digested statements and clever, eye-catching pop-up designs. The book is presented in a series of two-page tableaux organized by topic: "Little Life Forms," "Caterpillars/Butterflies," "Frogs," "Spiders," "Bees," "Creepy Crawlies," "Ants," and "At Night." The artwork is representational rather than realistic, with the various bugs, frogs, and other creatures mildly anthropomorphized, with big, happy faces and friendly smiles. The three-dimensional pop-up aspect of the book is a key central feature, adding greatly to the fun. A tree in the middle of the first spread pops out at readers; within holes at its midsection and by the roots they see a sleeping owl and a baby mole, respectively. A bird feeds its young in their nest upon one branch; on another, bees buzz busily at their (inaccurately represented) hive. Elsewhere, a spider swings down on its web from a tree limb, or a beetle scuttles out from beneath a log. All of the pop-ups are cleverly executed, adding dimension and motion without ever requiring kids to pull a single tab-which should greatly increase the life expectancy of the book. Even the text teems with life, at times floating in the breeze, drifting in the water, or following the contours of a crawling caterpillar. Companion title Explore the Shore follows the same format to explore a coastal ecosystem.From amphibians to earthworms, there's plenty here to foster an interest in the natural world. (Board book. 3-5)

Age-appropriate science in an appealing pop-up format.This book conveys a surprising amount of information through clear and easily digested statements and clever, eye-catching pop-up designs. The book is presented in a series of two-page tableaux organized by topic: "Little Life Forms," "Caterpillars/Butterflies," "Frogs," "Spiders," "Bees," "Creepy Crawlies," "Ants," and "At Night." The artwork is representational rather than realistic, with the various bugs, frogs, and other creatures mildly anthropomorphized, with big, happy faces and friendly smiles. The three-dimensional pop-up aspect of the book is a key central feature, adding greatly to the fun. A tree in the middle of the first spread pops out at readers; within holes at its midsection and by the roots they see a sleeping owl and a baby mole, respectively. A bird feeds its young in their nest upon one branch; on another, bees buzz busily at their (inaccurately represented) hive. Elsewhere, a spider swings down on its web from a tree limb, or a beetle scuttles out from beneath a log. All of the pop-ups are cleverly executed, adding dimension and motion without ever requiring kids to pull a single tab-which should greatly increase the life expectancy of the book. Even the text teems with life, at times floating in the breeze, drifting in the water, or following the contours of a crawling caterpillar. Companion title Explore the Shore follows the same format to explore a coastal ecosystem.From amphibians to earthworms, there's plenty here to foster an interest in the natural world. (Board book. 3-5)

PreS-Gr 1 This board book is packed with facts about the different creatures (caterpillars, spiders, bees) that inhabit meadows. Facts are often paired with colorful imagery. The big, bold text emphasizes the creatures highlighted on each page. The story does not need to be read in a linear fashion. A child could easily spot new information upon a second read. Some of Engel's whimsical pop-up art appears to move as it is revealed on the page, making the insects come to life. The artwork is done in a folk art style and uses a mix of primary and earth-toned colors. Young readers are instructed to look for a bumblebee on each page to learn interesting details. This interactive feature will keep children engaged. VERDICT Recommend for parents who want to teach young readers about the natural world. Great for encouraging children to continuously learn and explore. Deanna Smith, Pender County Public Library, NC