WILD BABIES by Seymour Simon

Bibliography
Simon, Seymour. 1997. WILD BABIES. USA. ISBN 0060230347

Plot Summary
Simon includes 13 different baby animals in this photo essay book. The animals range from continent to continent, pole to pole, and even the sea. Most of the animals are mammals, but Simon includes a frog, alligator, and penguin into the mix.

Critical Analysis
Simon includes a bounty of accurate information on each animals life as a youngster. He writes about the early days of their lives, litter size, their level of dependency, diet, where and how they live, and usually ends with the animals leaving their families to make it on their own. Simon begins the book with 3 marsupials in a row, the koala, kangaroo, and opossum. Each page of text is accompanied by a full-page color photograph of the baby animal most times with their caregiver. Even the introduction, where Simon introduces his book and tells readers what they can expect to learn from reading it, has an endearing photo of a baby and mother lynx touching foreheads. The pictures make even the less cuddly animals seem cute and fragile.

Review Excerpts
Review in School Library Journal: "photos are striking and generous"
Review in Booklist: "combines appealing photos with intriguing details"

Connections
*Use as an introduction to wild animal unit, mammal unit, or baby animal unit
*Use as a supplement to study of one or two specific animals represented in the book
*Students could pick their own animal or baby animal to write an informational text on, students could find photos of their animals and bind together to make a class book resembling Simon's.