Published by Chronicle Books
Summary: A huge variety of animals is greeted in brief rhyming text: “Hello Hello/Black and White/Hello Color/Hello Bright.” The mixed-media illustrations depict lines of animals stretching across each two-page spread, looking at each other with oversized eyes. The author’s note explains that many of the animals are endangered, and that a lot of people don’t know they exist. He encourages readers to learn more about them, starting by saying hello. All 92 animals are identified on the last four pages in order of appearance; the animals also appear on the endpapers, in silhouette in the front of the book and in vibrant color in the back. 52 pages; ages 3-6.
Pros: Who can resist all those animals, with a riot of colors, shapes, and patterns? Placing them on a clean white background with simple black text emphasizes the unique beauty of each creature even more. Caldecott consideration? We can hope.
Cons: It’s a quick read, but go slowly to savor all the illustrations.
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