An assortment of engaging poems, written in many different styles, center on animals that visit an African grassland watering hole from early morning to night. Each poem is accompanied by a paragraph with interesting information about the animal (e.g., wildebeests migrate over eight hundred miles each year). Wadham focuses on different views of the environs in her lively illustrations. Reading list, websites. Glos.

Gr 2-5 This will be a much-sought-after book for teaching reading and inquiry skills. Each animal (which include the wildebeest, impala, meerkat, black mamba, puff adder, and more) features a poem on the left side of the spread and an informational text box on the right. Latham's knowledge of these creatures enhances both the well-crafted poems and the informational texts, the two working in tandem. In "Dust Bath at Dusk," Latham explains how elephants' "skin/is powdered/in a red-grit shower&30;" while the text box reads "As this dirt coating on their hides dries, it forms a crusty layer that protects them from damaging sun and irritating insects." There are many interesting facts to be gleaned, such as a step-by-step description of the uses of elephant dung before a dung beetle lays its eggs within it. The book is not only edifying but also funny. For instance, a poem about a symbiotic relationship between the oxpecker and its host begins, "Ticks got you dancing in an ear-flapping way?/Try our Basic Tick Removal Plan Today!" Charming illustrations in dusty colors convey the habitat of the African grasslands while portraying the passing of a day. A strong choice.— Teresa Pfeifer, The Springfield Renaissance School, Springfield, MA

A water hole in the African grasslands provides the setting for this attractive book, in which 15 short poems spotlight different animals. A thirsty giraffe struggles to maneuver its legs in order to reach the water with its tongue. A well-fed lioness dozes nearby. Meanwhile, a dung beetle works tirelessly, rolling a ball of elephant dung to her underground tunnel. Each double-page spread features a large, expressive illustration; one or two poems; and a box of information closely related to each poem's subject. Precisely worded, pithy, and often playful, these enjoyable poems often focus on a particular aspect of the subject, such as the meerkat sentries' communications or the oxpecker birds' grooming service for large mammals. Wadham varies the book's single setting by isolating parts of the area in the illustrations and by altering her palette as the light changes throughout the day and night. A fine volume of verse for independent reading or sharing with a class.