It’s Our Nature

In a book first published in Mexico in 2008, Orozco briefly describes biologically innate animal behaviors, ones that humans might do well to better emulate (“animals could show us a thing or two about responsibility, community, generosity, and tolerance,” she writes in an introduction). Flamingos exhibit a sense of community (“a group of parents, a sort of daycare, look after all the chicks”); baby crocodiles show trust by seeking safety in their mother’s mouth; and an octopus demonstrates commitment to each of her 150,000 eggs (“she does not leave the cave for three months, not even for a second!”). Cottin’s digital illustrations are sleek and modest, while Orozco, similarly understated in her anthropomorphism, presents graceful observations of animal instincts. Ages 5–8. (Sept.)