DICK KING-SMITH'S ANIMAL FRIENDS

In 31 anecdotes about animals he has known, King-Smith (The Stray, p. 1237, etc.) once again proves his worth as a born storyteller. The book opens with an introduction that includes photos of King-Smith, as a child and now; the stories themselves are accompanied by absolutely charming pictures by Jeram, no newcomer to King-Smith's world (I Love Guinea Pigs, 1995). They have the appeal of cartoons while being true-to-life, whether the subject is a guinea pig, golden pheasant, chameleon, or giant tortoise. Some of the pieces in this collection are very brief—no more than a paragraph—while others run a few pages in length. Whether the stories are poignant or funny, each leaves readers satisfied—and ready for more. The volume is long enough for readers who have left picture books behind, but still manageable for younger readers who are feeling adventurous. It's classified as animal anecdotes, but don't bury it in the 590s with assignment material. (Nonfiction. 5- 10)