THE FROG HOUSE

Mother Nature shines in wildlife science expert and first-time author Taylor's quietly appealing tale about various animals' reaction to something surprising—and confusing—in their environment. A man and his two children place a wooden birdhouse that looks like a red apple in the branches of a tree. A tree frog spies the unusual-looking object and quickly claims it as his own frog house. Soon curious birds of all feathers—as well as a squirrel and a cat—come by to investigate the odd red structure and, by extension, its inhabitant. Only when a beautiful tree frog happens along does the amphibian homeowner find the kind of truly appreciative friend with whom he'd like to share his abode. All throughout this breezily paced story, Taylor balances a slightly fanciful tone with a few tidbits about animal behavior (squirrels eat nuts and fruits; crows like bright things). Garrison's (Another Celebrated Dancing Bear ) collographs—a type of print that begins with a textured, layered collage plate and ends with a watercolor wash—take on a substantial, rough-hewn look. Her compositions blend earthy hues and cheery blasts of color, just as many scenes convey realistic detail along with some whimsy. Ages 4-7. (Mar.)