A Tower of Giraffes

August 31, 2015
Sixteen groups of animals—including geese, squirrels, elephants, and pigs—appear in fanciful ink and watercolor illustrations that incorporate textile and feather embellishments. First-time author-illustrator Wright lists the collective noun for each subject, then offers brief, often alliterative descriptions of the animals: “If danger comes too close, the sheep run away in a wild and woolly whirlwind to get away.” (Fittingly, her sheep are covered with woolen knit textures, complete with unraveling threads.) Elsewhere, a flamboyance of pink flamingos steps gracefully like ballerinas, a troop of four monkeys peers out from the page with inquisitive expressions, and a prickle of hedgehogs is outfitted with floral and abstract patterned prints. A visually expressive take on collective nouns. Ages 3–7.