School Library Journal Starred Review (Tue Jul 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

K-Gr 2 This charming picture book presents more than 20 baby animals and their parents. Each spread begins with a simple statement, such as "The baby needs to move," "The baby needs protection," or "The baby is part of a family," followed by another spread that indicates how different animals accomplish this task (for instance, "The baby is hungry" is paired with descriptions of grizzly cubs nursing and wolf pups consuming meat regurgitated by adult wolves). The simple and clear language will keep readers engaged and their interest piqued. Rendered in pencil and watercolor, the illustrations depict these animals so tenderly that readers may forget that these are wild creatures. Back matter includes a short paragraph about each animal and a compilation of excellent websites that feature some captivating photographs of mammals. This title will surely be popular in the library as a beginning research tool, but some may find it quite appropriate as bedtime reading, too.— Martha Rico, El Paso ISD, TX

Horn Book

Mammal parents exhibit a range of behaviors in the care of their newborn offspring. Judge cleanly explains the behaviors in sections where mainly mothers provide everything from basic needs to teaching important survival skills. Finely rendered illustrations of the adorable, clumsy, fuzzy babies capture everything that makes young mammals irresistible. More information on each species is appended. Websites. Bib., glos.

ALA Booklist (Wed Oct 01 00:00:00 CDT 2014)

This attractive large-format book features 26 species of baby mammals and their families. Each of the nine four-page thematic sections opens with a double-page spread featuring a large single illustration and a statement such as, "The baby needs to be caressed and groomed." On the second spread of that section, three pictures show a cougar mother licking her cub's head, a chimpanzee mother cuddling her infant, and an elephant mother, aunt, and grandmother reaching out their trunks to touch a newborn calf. A short paragraph comments on the illustration, while four appended pages offer additional information on each species and its young. The writing is informative, and the illustrations are appealing. In addition, many of these beautifully drawn pictures capture the feeling of an animal's form, motion, and presence. A few illustrations lean toward the cartoonish or anthropomorphic, particularly when the animals appear to be smiling, but most of the artwork is excellent. A visually captivating volume on animal families.