PEEK-A-BOO HAIKU

A look at animals in their various habitats throughout the seasons.

This book of haiku subtly draws readers’ attention to the action on each page, starting with the coldest season: “in white winter coats / long-eared friends play hide-and-seek / moon says, ‘I see you!’ ” The accompanying image shows hares frolicking in the moonlight. The story slowly shifts between seasons, from winter’s snow to the rain of spring to warm, breezy summer to, finally, autumnal leaves. Readers meet playful otters, a sea turtle laying eggs, squirrels searching for acorns, and more; along the way, a pair of mice can be seen interacting with the different animals. The haiku are lovely read-alouds, full of alliteration and descriptive language and imagery. The thoughtfulness of the writing sets this one apart. The palette shifts to mark each change, the final layout a gorgeous blend of nighttime blues and purples. Each lift of the flap creates a peekaboo effect revealing a surprise animal to readers, the haiku a clue about what’s beneath. The animals are charming without being overly cartoonish or anthropomorphized. This is a title both caregivers and children will enjoy revisiting. (This book was reviewed digitally.)

Winsome glimpses of the natural world throughout the year.