Making Tracks

Nine animals from five habitats are introduced to youngsters through the use of concealed slides that reveal both the creatures and their tracks. For every animal, Savage first presents a black footprint and an accompanying clue; the opening spread, for example--a rain forest--features an animal that ``uses sharp claws to hunt and climb trees. Hiding quietly in the branches, it surprises its prey.'' The slide fills in the cut-out footprints and the animal that made them: a jaguar. In succeeding spreads a raccoon, pheasant, jackrabbit, rattlesnake, seal, polar bear, dog and human child are shown in environments ranging from winter woods to a desert, the arctic and a beach. While the book's promising concept and title initially are enticing, neither the rudimentary, uninspired art nor the overall execution excites enough to bring readers back for repeat encounters. Ages 5-8. (Jan.)