Packs: Strength in Numbers

From its incantatory opening--"Packs,/ herds,/ huddles,/ and pods./ Together,/ we are better"--Sayler's artful exploration of creature behavior moves into examples of the way animals and insects find strength in numbers. Each pack-specific discussion ends with the refrain "Together, we"--bats communicate, flamingos dance. Refreshingly, Sayler looks beyond species stereotypes: "We lions live in a pride, and proud we are. Our strong bonds come from our keeping close... Together, we nurture!" Collective nouns are italicized (lions, pride; frogs, army). Sayler vividly illustrates joyful abundance, often juxtaposing a single blue-hued creature opposite vibrant spreads of groups in motion. The conclusion--"All together.../ ...we are better!"--is cannily paired with a bustling city park. The author's note, opposite an illustrated key that names featured creatures, argues for preserving biodiversity. Ages 4-7. (Jan.)

Copyright 2019 Publishers Weekly, LLC Used with permission.

PreS-Gr 2—Lions, flamingos, and wolves stick together in a pride, a flamboyance, or a pack for protection and teamwork. This technique has proven successful for hunting, mating, and raising young animals. Beautiful two-page spreads enliven Salyer's narrative. Frogs, rendered in various shades of green, are depicted in their marshes, ponds, and swamps. Lions glow in shades of gold, and buffalo seem to thunder off the pages. Perfectly matched to the illustrations, the simple sentences summarize the animals' qualities. The final group shows a diverse collection of humans in an urban setting dancing, eating, skateboarding, and dog-walking to solidify the message that there truly is strength in numbers. All the animals are numbered and identified on one of the last pages of resources. This format is very helpful, especially in the case of zoanthids, gold saddle goatfish, and plate coral. VERDICT A must-purchase for every collection. Salyer offers a beautiful look at Earth's herding creatures.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Fairfax County Public Library, VA

Copyright 2020 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

"Showing how different animals benefit from living and working in groups, Salyer's debut is a great example of the inventiveness possible in a nonfiction picture book."—New York Times Book Review

"With supple, richly colored illustrations and enthusiastic text, Hannah Salyer draws readers... into the beauty and variety of wild creatures."—Wall Street Journal

★ "[An] uplifting, lively picture book that details the various ways a community structure helps a species thrive and survive.... Part natural science, part deep ecology, wholly captivating."—Kirkus, STARRED review

★ "A must-purchase for every collection. Salyer offers a beautiful look at Earth's herding creatures." —School Library Journal, STARRED review

"[I]t's the artwork that takes center stage, with Salyer's striking, monochromatic spreads flooding the page and forcing the reader to confront the awesome reality of entire groups." —Booklist

"[A] useful and entertaining resource."—The Bulletin of the Center for Children's Books