Homes in the Wild

April 1, 2019
Home is where the heart is...and the bears, gorillas, raccoons, rabbits, anteaters, etc. In this interesting, information-packed book, Judge brings home for younger readers facts about the kinds of dwellings a variety of mammals live in with their young. Each class of residence is introduced by a two-page spread featuring a simple sentence that identifies homes by general concepts rather than specific types or construction methods: "A home can be hidden"; "A home can cover many miles of open country"; "A home can be built by an architect"; "A home can be crowded"; and others. Following these openers are spreads that describe, in clear, instructive, well-written paragraphs, the actual, specific kinds of homes lived in and built by two or three different, relevant animals, as in the black bears' den under a tree, the bobcats' nest in a rocky crevice, and the porcupines' home in a hollow log--all examples of "hidden." In conclusion, the book equates animals' needs for safety and shelter with those of humans. The paintings on the introductory spreads and text pages are true, endearing winners, depicting realistic, adorable, close-knit animal families in their homes and habitats. In the backmatter, enhancing the book's appeal and usefulness, are additional facts about each animal named in the text, a glossary, sources, and websites. Solid, appealing nonfiction for the younger set. (Informational picture book. 5-8)

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Starred review from June 1, 2019

Gr 1-2-Judge's warmly yet accurately illustrated animal families show a wide range of homes in the wild. Introductory pages for each category of home help contextualize the information; detailed paragraphs on how and why each of the featured species makes their chosen home provides in-depth data without overwhelming readers. Pleasantly readable and offering good word placement on the page, the rich illustrations never distract from the information. Whether the families are small or extended, with one or more parents, the diverse range of animals glows with coziness. A closer look at each of the species mentioned provides budding naturalists with further reading, a glossary, a list of updated sources, and a list of websites to complete the package. VERDICT A lovely and informative picture book featuring over 20 kinds of animal families and their homes in nature. A must for nonfiction collections everywhere.-Parnell Memorial Library, Montevallo, AL

Copyright 2019 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

May 15, 2019
Grades K-3 Every animal needs a home, begins this well-structured nature book, which discusses 26 mammals, where they live, and how they protect their young. Each four-page section opens with a double-page painting and a brief sentence introducing the topic, which might be homes underground, homes in treetops, or homes in open country. More eclectic topics include crowded homes, borrowed homes, and those built by an architect (beavers, gorillas, and orangutans). The second two-page spread explores the topic in more detail, focusing on two or three species as examples and describing each in a paragraph of interesting, relevant facts. Making the most of the pages' generous size, Judge introduces two or three species with a paragraph of information and a graceful, sometimes endearing pencil-and-watercolor illustration of the animal and its young. An appended section provides a postage-stamp-size portrait of each species discussed, along with a paragraph discussing pertinent features of the animal and its babies. An attractive, visually engaging introduction to animal homes.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)