It's our nature

In a book first published in Mexico in 2008, Orozco briefly describes biologically innate animal behaviors, ones that humans might do well to better emulate ("animals could show us a thing or two about responsibility, community, generosity, and tolerance," she writes in an introduction). Flamingos exhibit a sense of community ("a group of parents, a sort of daycare, look after all the chicks"); baby crocodiles show trust by seeking safety in their mother's mouth; and an octopus demonstrates commitment to each of her 150,000 eggs ("she does not leave the cave for three months, not even for a second!"). Cottin's digital illustrations are sleek and modest, while Orozco, similarly understated in her anthropomorphism, presents graceful observations of animal instincts. Ages 5-8. (Sept.) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.

PreS-Gr 3-Believing that animals have feelings, Orozco suggests that humans could learn how to live more harmoniously by looking at how various creatures behave. She gives 10 examples of how specific animals demonstrate tolerance, responsibility, generosity, community, communication, trust, commitment, altruism, and brotherhood. For instance, female elephants generously nurse and protect younger elephants even if the babies are not their own. Wildebeests tolerate zebras that mix in with their herds for protection from predators. Other animals represented include the howler monkey, flamingo, dolphin, armadillo, crocodile, octopus, penguin, and wolf. Each behavior is explained on a spread, accompanied by a simple illustration. Cottin places minimally detailed animal shapes into spare habitats, giving the pages an uncluttered, clean appearance. The art is done in combinations of soft and gentle blues, pinks, grays, yellows, and greens with added browns, black, and white. Bright orange endpapers contrast with the lighter color choices. This attractive title successfully introduces children to different traits that contribute to congenial living and is appropriate for group sharing or individual browsing. It differs from many other animal books because of its emphasis on humans learning from animal behaviors.-Lynn Vanca, Freelance Librarian, Akron, OH (c) Copyright 2013. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.