ASK DR. K. FISHER ABOUT ANIMALS

Llewellyn’s K. Fisher (see publisher’s name) is the Dear Abby of the animal kingdom. Smart quips, sage advice and factoids about all sorts of species and their adaptations fill the pages of this cleverly conceived collection of letters. On the left, children read one animal’s plea for help, while Fisher’s responses fill the right-hand pages. Among those Dr. K. helps are a tadpole whose “body is changing in alarming ways,” a giraffe who just wants to be like everyone else, a mackerel who wants a life of his own, a male orb spider with relationship trouble and a dung beetle disgusted with his diet. Four additional spreads offer more in-depth facts about various aspects of animal life, including life cycles (metamorphosis), feeding (adaptations), warning colors and food chains. Sheppard’s brightly colored cartoon illustrations are fabulously quirky, especially against the background of real stationery paper, envelopes and instant photo frames. The animals’ facial expressions speak volumes and are sure to spark chuckles. A table of contents, glossary and index make navigation to favorite pages easier and will appeal to teachers introducing the parts of a book. Animal lovers will eat this one up. (Nonfiction. 3-8)