And the Winner Is…: Amazing Animal Athletes

Gr 3–5—This fun book presents the World Animal Games, with quartets of different of critters competing in a variety of Olympic-type events. A walrus and a cockatoo provide facts and color as the contestants vie for the gold in the high jump, sprinting, weight lifting, swimming, and other trials with some surprising results. A data box for each entrant is provided, as is information on just why the winner came out on top, and how the record stands up to human athletes. A global map is included, as is a brief glossary. Cartoon illustrations are a perfect accompaniment to the simple, often amusing text and conversational "balloons." (One small oops: puma food is described as "small animals" while pumas will tend to differ. Small animals are okay, but bigger-think venison-are better.) Some of the facts will astonish youngsters and lead the curious to further investigation. An entertaining selection for classroom libraries and for browsing.—Patricia Manning, formerly at Eastchester Public Library, NY