Some days, all it takes to be amazed is to look out the window. There’s a bee bumbling from flower to flower, a crow shaking down a bird feeder for the best snacks, and a squirrel making a wild branch-to-branch run. Tune in to the wonders of the natural world — from exotic animals to neighborhood regulars — with these books about surprising creatures.
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“Superdads!: Animal Heroes” by Heather Lang and Jamie Harper, illustrated by Jamie Harper. (Ages 3-7. Candlewick Press. $17.99.)
Dads are good at much more than corny jokes. In this cheerful book about fantastic fathers in the animal world, vibrantly colorful cartoon-style illustrations highlight the sometimes surprising roles they play.
Among the “devoted, hardworking, fierce, and fun” dads on display are the seahorse and Darwin’s frog, who carry around their little ones, brown kiwis who incubate eggs, and wolves and owl monkeys, who teach their offspring skills through play.
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“Find Out About: Animal Tools” by Martin Jenkins, illustrated by Jane McGuinness. (Ages 3-7. Candlewick Press. $17.99.)
Conservation biologist Martin Jenkins — author of a sterling collection of children’s books about animals — returns with an introduction to animal tool use, filled with inviting, softly colored illustrations.
From tailorbirds using plant fibers to sew together nests, to archerfish using jets of water to plunk bugs into the water, to mugger crocodiles using sticks to help them catch birds, Jenkins’s portrayals of these animal innovators add up into a fascinating book for young animal fans.
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“The Mighty Pollinators” by Helen Frost, illustrated by Rick Lieder. (Ages 2-5. Candlewick Press. $18.99.)
From the humble bumblebee to the night-flying bat, Helen Frost’s poems explore the lives of pollinators “small and mighty, holding the world together.”
This lyrical look at the creatures “on the front lines,/ keeping fruit and flowers alive” is illustrated with stunning, up-close photography that makes specks of pollen glow like gold and creatures like the emerald-green sweat bee shimmer like jewels. An afterword by the author discusses what pollen actually is, how pollination happens, and how to observe and help pollinators, offering next steps for young scientists entranced by this peek into a crucial corner of the natural world.
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“Super Swifts: Small Birds With Amazing Powers” by Justin Anderson, illustrated by Clover Robin. (Ages 4-8. Candlewick Press. $18.99.)
Readers will never again take the small, nondescript swift for granted after reading Justin Anderson’s tribute to this avian champion.
The book follows the epic journeys of these little wonders, who can reach speeds of 70 mph, fly up to 10,000 feet high, napping while they soar, catching falling raindrops to drink. And when they reach their destination and are ready to nest, they celebrate: “Kreeeeech! they cry as they shoot low overhead, screaming like fireworks, chasing, diving, darting.”
They lay their eggs, then start all over again with their record-breaking migrations, flying faster, higher and for longer than any other bird.
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“Clever Crow” by Chris Butterworth, illustrated by Olivia Lomenech Gill. (Ages 3-7. Candlewick Press. $18.99.)
The sprightly text and gorgeous art in this ode to crows — full of glistening black feathers and ebony eyes with the glint of intelligence — will encourage readers to think again about an easily overlooked bird.
“Wherever you are right now, there’s sure to be a crow or two nearby,” croaking and cawing, flapping “steadily on,” a smart survivor who has adapted to environments around the world. They have great memories, can use twigs as tools, and even play.
“Crows may not be graceful to look at or lovely to listen to,” the book reminds readers. “But crows are smart, clever, crafty, and playful … just like you!”
Caroline Luzzatto has taught preschool and fourth grade. Reach her at luzzatto.bookworms@gmail.com
