The Tale of Pale Male
Written and illustrated by Jeanette Winter
New York: Harcourt, Inc., 2007
32 pages; $16.00 hardcover, ages
4-8
Atop a skyscraper in the middle of Manhattan might be among the last places you would expect to find a pair of red-tailed hawks building a nest. But that's exactly what happens in this true story that has become near-legendary in New York City. After Pale Male (named for his paler-than-normal feathers) and his mate build a nest on a high-rise apartment building, controversy arises. Some building residents want the nest removed, claiming that the birds make too much of a mess with their food and droppings; others come to admire and adore the urban hawks. Removal of the nest (all 400 pounds of it!) results in a massive public outcry to restore it. A delightful read for wildlife-watchers and animal-lovers of all ages—even if you already know this tale's happy ending.

Max Talks to Me
Written by Claire Buchwald
Illustrated by Karen Ritz
Edina, MN: The Gryphon Press, 2007
24 pages; $15.95 hardcover; ages 4-8
As best friends, Alex and Max usually know what the other is thinkingC without either one having to say a word. That=s a good thing, because Max is a dog! He doesn=t need words to let Alex know when he=s hungry, thirsty, or ready to play, and Alex doesn=t need to say anything to let Max know that he=s feeling happy, sad, or somewhere in between. Many young readers will relate to the deep bond Alex and Max share, while others may gain insight into how their own pets Atalk@ to them.

 

Dogku
Written by Andrew Clements
Illustrated by Tim Bowers
New York: Simon & Schuster Books for Young Readers, 2007
40 pages; $16.99 hardcover; ages 4-8
Told entirely in haiku verse, this fun book tells the story of a stray dog who one morning shows up on a family=s back step. After being fed, bathed, played with, and given a nickname, Mooch starts to make himself at home, but the family has a big decision to make. Are they ready for the responsibilities of taking care of a dog, or will they have to bring him to the animal shelter to find a new home? The light suspense builds until dad brings home a new dog bed and squeaky toy, making clear that Mooch is a permanent part of the familyCsomething that all dogs deserve.

 

Luck
Written by Jean Craighead George
Illustrated by Wendell Minor
New York: HarperCollins Children=s Books, 2006
32 pages; $16.99 hardcover; ages 4-8
Observing sandhill cranes as they are about to depart on their yearly migration, a young bird-watcher in Texas spots one crane with a plastic six-pack holder around his neck. After freeing him, she waves goodbye to the bird she names Luck. The story unfolds as Luck makes an amazing northward journey all the way to his birthplace in Siberia, where he will find his mate, and then back again to Texas. With its detailed paintings and prose, this book makes a wonderful addition to lessons on migration and wildlife appreciation.

 

White Owl, Barn Owl
Written by Nicola Davies
Illustrated by Michael Foreman
Cambridge, MA: Candlewick Press, 2007
32 pages; $16.99 hardcover; ages 4-8
After building a barn owl nesting box with her grandfather, a young girl patiently waits through winter and into spring. Finally, they spot a gleaming white barn owl come to nest with his mate. This beautifully told story of waiting for and watching the owls is coupled with barn owl facts throughout and followed up with an endnote on nesting boxes, as well as a glossary of terms that may be unfamiliar to young readers.

 

Fred Stays with Me!
Written by Nancy Coffelt
Illustrated by Tricia Tusa
New York: Little, Brown Young Readers, 2007
32 pages; $16.99 hardcover, ages 4-8
With her parents divorced, the girl at the center of this tale lives sometimes with her mother, sometimes with her father. She takes Fred with her wherever she goes, but when Fred=s antics make both mom and dad mad, where will Fred stay? The girl has the solution in this book that not only showcases how pets can help kids through difficult times but also touches on humane, common-sense ways to solve pet behavior problems.