Side by Side: Animals Who Help Each Other

Patricia Morley is professor emerita of English and Canadian studies at
Concordia University, and the author of Kurlek, Margaret Laurence: The
Long Journey Home, and As Though Life Mattered: Leo Kennedy’s Story.

Side by Side offers an excellent introduction to ecology, the science
and study of communities. In 13 short chapters, Marilyn Baillie writes
about mutually advantageous partnerships established by animals, birds,
insects, and fish—partnerships that are essential to each species. For
example, aphids produce the sweet liquid, honeydew, that ants love; in
return, the ants care for and protect the aphids, carrying them to
places where there are good plants for them to eat and building tiny mud
shelters to protect them from the weather. Other examples of working
partnerships include tortoises and finches, sharks and remoras, egrets
and rhinos, clown fish and sea anemones, and prairie dogs and burrowing
owls.

Romi Caron’s illustrations capture both the drama and fun, while
accurately depicting each species. A “who’s who” of the book’s
caste and an intriguing quiz round out this delightful, amusing, and
instructive volume. Highly recommended.