CRINKLEROOT'S GUIDE TO KNOWING ANIMAL HABITS
by Jim Arnosky & illustrated by Jim Arnosky
Crinkleroot's 11th adventure is a cross-country tour of 8 habitats and an introduction to 80 different wildlife species. With jeep, canoe, waders, and his friendly snake, Sassafrass, he explores marshes, swamps, bogs, woodlands, roadsides, cornfields, grasslands, and drylands. The precise text is surprisingly informative, given its brevity, and almost always accompanied by appropriate warnings for explorers: ``The best way to observe most wetlands is in the company of an adult and from the safety of higher ground or a sturdy boardwalk.'' Softly colored watercolors provide a sweeping overview of habitats with details of animals found there, making this an appealing adventure from Arnosky (Rabbits & Raindrops, 1997, etc.). (Picture book. 7-10)