PIKA

Bill’s debut introduces young readers to the pika, a relative of rabbits and hares. Photographs follow one particular pika as he gathers a pile of plants in preparation for winter. Weasels and hawks are just two of the predators the pika must be wary of, and other pikas might try to steal his hard-won food stores. The narrative sees readers through the spring as the pika mates and the babies mature. The author’s conversational style builds a little suspense into her tale—readers will find themselves rooting for the tiny pika. A large font and relatively easy vocabulary make this a good choice for beginning readers. Jacobson’s photographs give readers a marvelous up-close view of the animals—most are shown at least half life-size. He captures the many particularities of this animal as well, from making sounds and intent listening to gathering plants and growing a winter coat. Prominently absent, however, are the pika babies the text mentions. The book also would have benefited from the inclusion of a map to help young readers in placing the pika’s Rocky Mountain habitat. A relatively in-depth and accessible look at a lesser-known animal. (pika facts, predators, family, resources, author note, glossary) (Informational picture book. 5-8)