ANIMALS AND THEIR YOUNG

The duo that produced Animals in Motion (2000)and Animals Eating (2001) returns with a look at animal babies—how some begin as eggs, including puffins, frogs, and platypuses, and how others, such as koalas, giraffes, walruses, and sloths, are born live. A grand diversity of animals continues in chapters that discuss how animals can be born helpless or self-sufficient, and can receive years of parental care or none at all. The clear, readable text focuses on concepts but contains plenty of interesting tidbits (e.g., whale calves can gain a pound per hour for their first year) sure to fascinate elementary readers. The illustrations are lively and informative with just the right amount of detail. Note: despite some ambiguity in the title, conception and reproduction are not addressed. First-rate: a terrific addition to any library, including the one in your home. (Nonfiction.7-11)