★ “There are lots of surprises in the inventive wordplay along with twisted syntax that gets the point across while invoking giggles from young readers. . . . Full-page illustrations, rendered in colored pencil and pastel, accompany the verses and capture the essence of each creature with great imagination and childlike innocence. Color abounds, not only in the illustrations, but also with bright blocks of orange, purple, blue, yellow and more that background the poems. Florian is a master of light verse with a purpose, and he matches it with art that charms. Thoughtful, fun, and delightful.”—Kirkus Reviews, Starred Review
“The delightful illustrations are a highlight. Each poem is complemented by at least two of Florian’s pastel drawings. . . . a terrific example of poetry and the wonder of the natural world.”—School Library Journal
“In typical Florian fashion, the rhythmic poems, mostly told from the animal’s perspective, use rhyme, wit, and occasional puns to give kids a taste of the animal’s physical characteristics, habitat, diet, adaptations, or other special traits. . . . As always, much of the humor comes from Florian’s distinctive, childlike mixed-media illustrations on paper-bag backgrounds. The final poem, ‘Climate Change,’ urges young readers to care for these animals and their environments. A funny yet socially conscious collection.” —Booklist
“The poet’s quick rhyming lines and Ogden Nash–like love of a concluding pun on are full display here.”—The Bulletin of the Center for Children’s Books
