Small Wonders: Baby Animals in the Wild.

Britta Santowski is a freelance writer in Victoria, B.C.

This Canadian Geographic Kids book details 14 common wild animals found in Canada: moose, Canada geese, polar bears, wolves, loons, bison, raccoons, cougars, beavers, mountain sheep, owls, seals, caribou, and orca whales. Each two-page spread follows a formulaic layout, where the left side introduces the animal in the authoritative third person voice, and the right side speaks in the baby animal’s “voice.” The last page has an overview of all the animals discussed in the book.

Nicely illustrated, the watercolour images include the animals in their natural environment, and always show an adult with her children.

This book provides excellent information on many of Canada’s animals and can easily pique a child’s curiosity to further inquire on other animals. Parents, be prepared to answer questions on bears, skunks, squirrels, and chipmunks as well. Recommended.