Now You See Them, Now You Don't

Jean Free, formerly an elementary-school teacher-librarian, is currently
a library consultant in Ontario.

The jungle animals outwit Simon, the fearless hunter, by making a plan
to disguise themselves so they cannot be seen. Though Simon searches the
world, he cannot find any big game. At last, Simon returns home. The
author suggests that instead of hunting, people should take photographs.

This story works well when read aloud to preschool/primary-grade
children. The gentle humor of its intriguing illustrations will capture
the imagination of young children. Animals are hidden from Simon, but
the reader can always find the hippo among the flamingos, the rhino in
the cow pasture, and the elephant among the rocks.

Available in French, under the title Cachettes et Camouflages, this
would be a useful curriculum-support book for a science unit on animal
coverings or camouflage. Children could also make their own pictures of
hidden animals after looking at the illustration techniques.

Imaginative and humorous, definitely fun to read. Highly recommended.