A Bold Carnivore: An Alphabet of Predators

From the predictable alligator to the unexpected zapus (a meadow jumping mouse), the carnivores of this abecedary prowl, pounce, sniff and snatch their meals from nature's lively table. Twenty-six insects, mammals, fish and birds representing various North American habitats are each described in a few lines of text (""A damselfly dips and darts through the summer air, catching mosquitoes and midges....""). Powell's watercolor-and-ink illustrations separate the carnivores from their prey, who rest safely within boxed borders; the predators appear more as stuffed specimens than as full-blooded hunters. Though accurate, the text misfires with tired verbs that give no feel of the predators' instinct and cunning; it seems a misnomer to call these creatures ``bold.'' A fine-print glossary, aimed at adult readers, identifies prey and geographical habitats. Ages 2-6. (May)