IN THE WILD

Not all preschoolers are interested in farm animals, and for those who would rather visit the savannah than the barnyard, this book of African wildlife is a ticket to the Serengeti Plain. Each curved fold-out page creates a little mystery, showing just a section of the animal's fur, feathers, skin, or scales, while the text gives a few clues. When the page is opened, a full view of the animal and its name is revealed. The large drawings, done in a realistic, hyper-detailed style (every hair shows, every feather, every whisker) include views of the landscape and others in the habitat, helping readers visualize the animals in their natural environment. Ryder, in her first book, shows respect for preschoolers and their ability to learn by seeing. (Picture book. 3-6)