Historical Animals: The Dogs, Cats, Horses, Snakes, Goats, Rats, Dragons, Bears, Elephants, Rabbits, and Other Creatures That Changed the World

Moberg (Presidential Pets) celebrates animal celebrities, both well known and forgotten, with subjects that include Rin Tin Tin, Punxsutawny Phil, and Dolly the sheep. Companions to famous humans include Seaman, a Newfoundland that accompanied Lewis and Clark during their explorations; Mozart’s starling, which sang along with his musical compositions; and Peter Piper, the rabbit that inspired Beatrix Potter’s work. Moberg introduces each animal with a peppy poem, explaining why it is notable (“In nineteen fifty-two/ During the Korean War,/ A Mongolian mare named Reckless/ Joined the Marine Corps”), followed by bulleted lists of facts about the animal that offer historical and social context. Full of wild-eyed, slavering, and scraggly creatures, Albrecht’s caricatures exude attention-grabbing madcap energy, though are somewhat at odds with the tone of the text. Ages 8–12. (Feb.)