cover image Wild Animals of the South

Wild Animals of the South

Dieter Braun, trans. from the German by Jen Calleja. Flying Eye (Consortium, dist.), $35 (152p) ISBN 978-1-909263-97-0

In a companion volume to Wild Animals of the North, Braun introduces mammals, reptiles, birds, and primates from the Southern Hemisphere, which appear in striking portraits characterized by geometric shapes, marbled and weathered texturing, and a bold, graphic impact. The book proceeds geographically through five continent-based regions. Animals share several spreads (yawning hippos and vividly pink flamingos crowd a circular swimming hole that echoes the shape of the sun above), and while all of the creatures are identified by their common and scientific names, some are discussed in greater detail in short paragraphs: “The nine-banded armadillo is one of the noisier forest-dwellers. It lets out a wheezing grunt when digging holes or defending itself and squeals loudly if it’s afraid.” Like its predecessor, it’s a vibrant, eye-catching tribute to the planet’s biodiversity. Ages 5–up. (May)