Wild Animals of the North

Eighty animals that make their homes in North America, Europe, and Asia—Kodiac bears, barn owls, yaks, and many more—are brought to handsome life in German illustrator Braun’s weathered, posterlike images, which call to mind Cubist portraiture with their use of layered geometrical shapes, set against marbled, speckled backgrounds. All of the animals are introduced by both their common and scientific names, and casual yet evocative descriptions accompany many of them (“A snow leopard never roars. Its call is a drawn-out howl which—depending on the direction of the wind—can be mistaken for the cry of the yeti”). The skillful integration of artistry and naturalistic detail makes this a striking addition to a child’s wildlife library, to be followed by Wild Animals of the South. Ages 5–up. (June)