Animal Teachers

Twelve vignettes explore the kinds of “lessons” that various animal adults teach to their offspring. A kangaroo gives her joey “boxing lessons” so he can defend himself, an elephant mother models how to drink water, an orangutan shows her offspring how to stay dry in the rain, and a cheetah teaches her babies to run. Hudson’s graceful artwork offers a hint of anthropomorphic tenderness between the animal parents and children, while remaining naturalistic. Readers should especially enjoy prompts inviting them to compare their own behavior with that of the animals: “Do you yip? Can you bark? Or shout? Or yelp? How do you make yourself heard?” Ages 4–8. (Aug.)