A picture book about compassion for the animals that share the planet. The story starts with a double-page spread showing a diversity of humans all jumbled together facing readers, relaying the idea that humans come in different shapes, sizes, and colors (and dispositions and beliefs) yet are all neighbors, planetarily speaking. The page turn then extends this idea to the diversity of animals and, not unpredictably, shows a double-page spread of a jumble of different animals facing readers. In the same back-and-forth vein, the story continues by pointing out that humans use "intelligence" to survive while animals have different, other skills to help them--an off-key anthropocentric viewpoint that assumes animals aren't intelligent. This off-key note continues with a confusing illustration that attempts to highlight animals' and humans' "wildly different likes and needs," wherein humans are shown using aids to accomplish what animals do naturally. But, in a pivot, it seems we don't have such "wildly different likes and needs" after all, since the story concludes, "you have more in common with your neighbors than you think," and lists those common needs: "food and water…clean air and shelter…family and friendship," among others. The book's intention is good-hearted, but the execution is messy, and that extends to many of the illustrations, which are flat in their colors and unnuanced in their line and interpretation. The backmatter unsubtly advocates for vegetarianism. Simplistic and heavy-handed. (resources) (Informational picture book. 5-8) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Ricard and Gruhl make a case for animal rights and ethical veganism by metaphorically framing Earth's residents as neighbors equally deserving of respect and care. They begin by pointing out the "wildly different likes and needs" of these neighbors who "feel at home in very different places." Their argument hits snags, though, when they pivot to unifying similarities: do even solo creatures require "family and friendship," as the book suggests? A more persuasive claim centers on human actions: "when we look with our eyes and our hearts, we can act with love and compassion toward all beings." Hall's cartoonlike, sometimes heavy-handed illustrations make implied meanings plain, showing happily swimming dolphins alongside smiling humans, and later, huddling monkeys scarred by medical experiments, and trembling cows heading into a "Fast Food Factory." Closes with a discussion of the benefits of a plant-based diet. Ages 4--8. (Sept.)

PreS-Gr 3--The concept of neighborhood extends beyond the diverse group of cartoon characters depicted in the opening pages of this book. The text spotlights the unique skills of all living beings. For example, owls use night vision while bats use sonar. Pigs have a powerful sense of smell. Human intellect has led to remarkable inventions. Despite their different kinds of intelligence, however, a common bond exists between all creatures--not just ones with obvious similarities. Every living being has needs, desires, strengths, fears, and a will to survive. And humans are not the only species to seek companionship, love, and safety. The illustrations show animal moms cuddling their young and humans snuggling with their pets and with one another. Human characters are drawn with a variety of skin tones and cultural identifiers. This title makes a convincing case for compassion with a tone that is perfect for its audience. Nonetheless, there is an underlying animal rights agenda that proposes actions that may feel too radical for some readers. In one scene, foxes watch as a white woman evaluates her wardrobe. In another, a cheerful hamburger looks down on cattle that do not anticipate their future. These illustrations seem to emphasize the authors' position, which is detailed at the end in a plea for a plant-based diet. Adults should be prepared for conversations with young readers. VERDICT A serious message delivered with humor, simplicity, and charm makes this book an excellent purchase for families that value open-ended discussions. Also a good resource for classrooms and libraries that welcome diverse opinions and points of view.--Gloria Koster, formerly at West Sch., New Canaan, CT