Wild City: Meet the Animals Who Share Our City Spaces

Weaving together nature, geography, and captivating factoids, Hoare takes readers to 17 cities on six continents, offering snapshots of the unexpectedly varied wildlife they support. Notable species are identified and described in memorable ways—such as the “Manhattant,” which “lives in New York and nowhere else”; the axolotl, “similar to a big, fat tadpole,” which lurks in Mexico City’s canals; and the barn swallows of Alexandria, once painted and carved by the ancient Egyptians. Interstitial spreads discuss themed groupings of creatures, including “Hunters in the City,” “Cities by Night,” and “Wildlife Heroes.” Rose’s colorful, on-trend illustrations use a bright palette of deep-toned hues to stylishly render urban vistas and animal and bird field markings. It’s a revelatory introduction to the array of wild creatures living in urban spaces, though as Hoare notes in his introduction, “The words ‘city’ and ‘country’ mean nothing to animals.... Animals just want a safe place to live.” Ages 7–11. (Oct.)