Opposites

The team behind The Umbrella (2011) explores antonyms in busy scenes featuring a large cast of lively and personable animals. The only text that appears is the contrasting words: “Up” and “Down,” “Big” and “Small,” etc. In a spread divided by cold and hot, a turtle slides down an igloo on its shell, raccoons have a snowball fight, and pigs and alligators huddle to keep warm. The animals on the opposing page, meanwhile, perspire under a blazing sun in view of a spitting volcano. Mischief abounds, and children will enjoy seeing the animals’ mini-dramas, love stories, and adventures unfold. Ages 4–up. (Apr.)