Animal Opposites

Horacek contrasts 20 animals, using flaps, pop-ups, and stylish mixed-media paintings to highlight the differences between them. A “short dog” appears opposite a large giraffe-spotted flap, hinting at the “tall” animal behind it. Elsewhere, a “quiet rabbit,” sits small and timid against a marbled orange background, a pop-up lion roaring behind another flap; a slim meerkat forms the “i” in “thin”; and a “fast cheetah” rockets away from a “slow snail” with a chalky outline. Horacek subtly gives the animals personalities to match their characteristics, and even if readers guess what opposite term is coming up next (if not the animal), they’ll find the execution delightful. Ages 3–7. (Aug.)