The latest in the outstanding Soundprints "Wild Habitats" series of storybooks (each of which has been authenticated by environmental experts) Hedgehog Haven is a beautifully illustrated children's picturebook by author Deborah Dennard and artist Robert Hynes about the day in the life of an ordinary hedgehog. Unlike many children's books which anthropomorphize animals into cartoon-like figures who walk on two feet, talk, or have other human characteristics, Hedgehog Haven looks closely at a natural, insect-eating hedgehog in a typical hedgerow within Great Britain. The true-to-life bent of this hedgehog story makes it educational as well as entertaining, and the fine, full-color illustrations bring the exploits of a small mammal to glorious life. This enthusiastically recommended storybook for school and community library collections, and is also available with a read-along audio cassette and stuffed animal toy.

Part of the "Our Wild World" series, Monkeys by Deborah Dennard is a gorgeously illustrated and educational picture book filled with amazing facts about primates, their habitat, behavior, life cycles, and relationship to humans. Straightforwardly written and illustrated with superb color photographs, Monkeys is especially commended for young people with a keen interest in learning more about animals. Also highly recommended are the companion volumes, Chimpanzees...and Orangutans...