Eat Your Rocks, Croc! Dr. Glider’s Advice for Troubled Animals

Dr. Sugar Glider takes questions from various animal “patients” with occasionally punny results in this eye-opening tour of animal adaptations. Accompanied by Oswald’s textured, watercolor-like digital illustrations, Dr. Glider’s global caseload of 14 includes an aphid whose brother was kidnapped by ants for his honeydew secretions (a sidebar explains symbiosis), an overtired frigatebird who needs reminding that it can sleep while flying, and the crocodile of the title, which needs help digesting. In Oswald’s animated scenes, Dr. Glider has her stethoscope at the ready while tending her oblivious patients variously on skis, using scuba gear, or via submarine (though a Tarzan outfit strikes an odd note). Four-panel sidebars consistently inform and surprise with animal facts, and a glossary reinforces new vocabulary. This kind of animal roundup isn’t new, but with the help of the wisecracking Dr. Glider, Oswald and Keating’s approach feels fresh and snappy. Ages 4–8. [em](May) [/em]