TRACKS IN THE WILD

The author-illustrator of Antler, Bear, Canoe: A Northwoods Alphabet Year (1991) takes a second look at the forest near her Minnesota home, once again structuring her material creatively to explicate her theme. Presenting 13 animals, roughly in size order from mouse to moose, Bowen represents their footprints in actual size, provides outstandingly handsome portraits (her woodcuts' stark, angular black is overlaid with luminous watercolors of delectable subtlety), and adds brief commentaries on what can be learned by following animals' tracks and observing other evidence of their passing. Scientific names are included, but the well- chosen quotes (from Winnie-the Pooh and the Book of Job as well as several Native Americans)—which underline Bowen's quiet reverence for the animals and what their ways may teach humans- -are not always sourced. Still, a lovely book, intelligently conceived and beautifully executed. (Nonfiction/Picture book. 4+)