cover image Any Bear Can Wear Glasses: The Spectacular Bear & Other Curious Creatures

Any Bear Can Wear Glasses: The Spectacular Bear & Other Curious Creatures

Chronicle Books, Matthew Long. Chronicle Books, $14.95 (32pp) ISBN 978-0-8118-0809-5

The illustrator of Ten Little Rabbits and Fire Race collaborates with her husband and son for a lively look at 11 endangered or threatened species. Playfully introducing each creature, she presents four illustrations of related animals (wearing human clothing, eyeglasses, jewelry and the like) alongside a strikingly realistic rendition of the spotlighted species. Accompanying these pictures are enticing headlines and a succinct description of each animal's physical characteristics, habits and habitats. For example, on a spread showing four kinds of lizards in a variety of stylish outfits, the lead-in reads: ""Any lizard can get dressed up... but there's only one frilled lizard."" Similarly, ""Any rabbit can wear shoes... but there's only one snowshoe hare."" With its kid-targeted dose of visual silliness, this lighthearted presentation successfully pulls youngsters into the crisply written text. Ages 3-8. (Oct.)