Alphamals A–Z

In this animal-themed alphabet book, gentle verselike text highlights 26 creatures. Carter vividly describes aspects of their distinctive behaviors or characteristics: “Floating in blue lagoon waters,/ a manatee drifts with the currents,/ a gentle sea cow, chewing grass.” A jaguar “lies stretched out, waiting,/ high above the forest floor,/ her spots concealed among the leaves./ She leaps down quickly, strong and deadly,/ catching prey with one sharp bite.” Carter’s stylized digital compositions have the impact of posters, incorporating bold colors and geometric angles and shapes: the markings on a semicircular protractor bring texture to a swan’s folded wing, precise snowflake patterns adorn the fur of an Arctic fox, and origami-style folds make the aforementioned jaguar look ready to pounce. A strikingly illustrated alphabetical introduction to dozens of animals. Ages 2–5. (Oct.)