This richly detailed animal reference volume moves beyond conventional information--such as shelters, diets, and migratory patterns--to deeper investigations into animals' emotional lives, focusing on those found predominantly in North American and Europe. Animals laugh, German writer Wohlleben (Peter and the Tree Children) reveals: "Dogs pant, horses whinny, and you can't hear anything at all with rats... Scientists have to use special microphones to hear the laughter of rats." In easily digestible blocks of text, readers learn how creatures exhibit bravery and even care for other species: a crow raises a kitten, a humpback whale protects a seal from orcas. Each spread offers a sidebar ("Try This!"), as well as quiz questions; full-color photographs enrich every section, while a warm translation by Tanaka renders Wohlleben's prose conversational: "When the larvae hatch, they'll often stay together in kindergartens. If a newt or fish comes to eat them, they'll jerk like crazy all together in the water, which totally confuses the hunter." Though differences between egg-laying and milk production are examined, reproduction is not explicitly covered; still, compassion for both the animals and readers throughout makes this an approachable, valuable primer. Ages 7--9. (May)

Structured similarly to Wohlleben's Can You Hear the Trees Talking? (2019), this volume turns its attention to animal traits and habitats. First divided into seven chapters on such broad topics as what animals eat, baby-animal care, animal communication, and animal survival techniques, the conversational text then poses related questions in double-page spreads. As Wohlleben considers such questions as whether it's better to have live babies or eggs, how animals stay warm and dry, and if animals understand body language, he references a variety of creatures that inhabit a range of habitats, from backyards to woodlands to oceans. In addition to covering these typical informational subjects, the author speaks to high-interest questions and those not usually seen in children's books. For instance, readers can find out what happens to animal poop, if there can ever be too many animals, if animals dream, and what happens to animals when they become old. Adding further appeal to each spread are colorful photographs, sidebars, activities, and quizzes. A great resource to help kids start thinking about and exploring the natural world.

Seven short chapters answer a wide range of questions about, in the renowned naturalist's words, "the hidden, exciting, dangerous, and funny world of animals." Each chapter, covering topics such as habitat, survival techniques, and emotions, is divided into two-page subsections, each headed by a question. Colorful photographs abound, as do sidebars exhorting readers to "Look!" or "Try this!" At least six suggested activities require a backyard, but many others are more broadly accessible. Scattered quizzes are enticing, but the tiny answers are barely legible. Otherwise, the layout is excellent for browsing through and stopping at whatever photograph or question seems interesting. Some casual browsers may stop to read about great tits for prurient reasons, but they will come away with cutting-edge insights about bird personalities. Author Wohlleben's enthusiasm for investigating all kinds of animals shines through, whether he is giving facts about common insects, anecdotes about his own pets, or stories gleaned from places far from the forest he tends in Germany. Who knew that a parrot in the rainforest can make comrades "screech with pleasure" by dropping down and pretending it cannot fly? The text is conversational and accessible, sometimes subtly and other times overtly encouraging readers both to respect and care for other species and to recognize themselves as part of the animal world. It contains more breadth and less depth than Wohlleben's Can You Hear the Trees Talking? (2019). Science-based cheerleading, in the best possible sense. (index) (Nonfiction. 8-12) Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.