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“Noi lived with his dad and six cats by the sea.” But he was lonely until he rescues a baby whale that reconnects Noi with his busy fisherman father. Gentle language is enhanced by mellow, warmly hued illustrations of their seaside home.

When a squirrel is snatched up by a hungry hawk (but not eaten), his courageous friends go after him. Together they discover another squirrel society and save their homes from devastation in this clever, quite funny, and often insightful tale that provides a glimpse into what squirrel civilization might be.

What happens to Pop’s cell phone when he and Sam fall asleep at the zoo? It passes from one animal to the next! Cartoon illustrations and straightforward text are just right to create and easy, amusing, fanciful adventure.

Effervescent language and lively illustrations ask readers what kind of dog, cat, fist, bird, bug, frog, or dinosaur they’d be — but since they are not, they can “arrooo! like a dog, hiss! like a cat,” or even “chomp, stomp, roar! like a dinosaur” in this playful, imaginative book.

Beginning readers will appreciate the easy language and color photographs that describe necessary preparations and what zookeepers then feed animals. Children are shown at a petting zoo and eating a snack themselves in the book’s final images.

Bird basics — from characteristics to colors — are briefly introduced in an attractive, accessible package. In addition to a table of contents, glossary and index, this series provides additional material on birding (bird-watching) via an online, downloadable book.

Each dramatic photograph of an animal (such as a pink flamingo) on a white background is accompanied by one word: its color. In Creature Numbers (opens in a new window), Animals from 1 to 10 bounce, swim, and pose on the equally open pages of a companion book for a fine, fun introduction to basic concepts.

This look at vertebrates glimpses mammals, fish, birds, reptiles and amphibians though rhyming couplets and attractive, textured woodcuts. A brief outline of characteristics and examples in each category and further resources are also included.

Caldecott medalist Mordicai Gerstein captures the majestic redwoods of Yosemite in this little-known but important story from our nation’s history. In 1903, President Theodore Roosevelt joined naturalist John Muir on a trip to Yosemite. Camping by themselves in the uncharted woods, the two men saw sights and held discussions that would ultimately lead to the establishment of our National Parks. [Good Reads]

Who can jump? Lift the flap to see small animals in action ending with “YOU can jump!” Bold, uncluttered illustrations and repeated language are sure to absorb young children. The same format is used in the equally engaging Who Can Swim? (opens in a new window)

Animals and people both have hair. Photographs of animals and droll illustrations of kids with that hair on opposing pages provide a light, humorous, and surprisingly informative look at different animals — and of course, hair.

“Our world is made of land and water.” The land is called continents; the water oceans. Select animals that live on each continent are presented on sturdy, textured pages that will hold up to multiple readings and handling by young children while providing a visually appealing introduction to maps and animals.

Dog lovers — and those who aren’t — are sure to be touched by twelve short stories about shelter dogs that find just the right home. Written by various authors, each story is different but each will resonate with sophisticated readers (or listeners) in this varied short story collection.

Die-cuts let readers ‘spy’ a portion of an animal while text provides clues as to what it might be. With the turn of the page the entire bird is portrayed. Basic characteristics and attractive illustrations provide an informative glimpse of a variety of fowl while playing a variant of a familiar game.

Most elephant seals live in the ocean but one prefers the Avon River in Christchurch, New Zealand. Though the townspeople try to relocate Elizabeth, the huge seal finds her way back three times to the delight of many, especially a boy named Michael. Based on a true story, this well-told fictionalized account is expressively illustrated.

Splendid photographs are used along with a crisp, easier to read narrative to introduce dolphins, water-dwelling mammals. A glossary, index and access to additional online material complete this appealing and edifying title.

Richly hued, lush, realistic illustrations answer the question of what a child might see during the day: a sun-dappled bird, butterfly, or beaver perhaps. At night, there could be a bat or a firefly in moonlight, and a teddy bear as she snuggles into bed.

An eclectic collection of factoids about animals is presented in an eye-catching, brightly colored format that uses graphic art or “infographics.” The result is a fetching book sure to engage sophisticated readers as they dip in and out.

Handsome, realistic illustrations accompanied by straightforward information about North American birds encourage children to observe birds closely. Additional information about characteristics and bird identification concludes this attractive and informative book.

When Tyler forgets his dog’s birthday, he goes to Mr. Baker to learn how to bake a cake. There the boy learns about where the ingredients for a carrot cake originate. Childlike illustrations provide information and humorous asides from Tofu, the dog. Tyler’s DOG carrot cake recipe is included.

Geo along with Dr. Brain and a couple of friends explore the digestive system from within in their nano-ship. The last chapter sets up the team’s next adventure. First published in South Korea and translated into English, the comic book format provides adventure and information.

Before Milo and his teddy go to bed, they have an imaginative bath time adventure in a boat, sailing past a busy city, through a storm and more. Soft illustrations communicate the gentle nature of their jaunt. Easy instructions for Milo’s folded paper boat are sure to inspire bathtub explorations and experiments.

Orphaned siblings could travel no farther without food and so while camp folk were distracted, the children grabbed meat to eat and a caribou skin and flint with which to play. To avoid punishment, they hid in the sky where they play to this day. And so it is that there is thunder and lightning. The Arctic and its residents are evoked in swirling illustrations and a straightforward telling of an appealing traditional tale.

Sophie lives in a big city but eagerly anticipates summer at her grandparents. There, she learns about growing vegetables and gardens as she prepares, plants, observes and harvests. Realistic illustrations show an entire scene as well as close-ups on each double page spread.