TOOTH AND CLAW

Is there anywhere in the world that Ted Lewin hasn’t visited? This may well be the question that readers will ask after finishing this volume consisting of 14 travel pieces—brief vignettes, really—describing Caldecott Honor–winning illustrator (Peppe the Lamplighter, 1993) and sometime author Lewin’s up-close-and-personal adventures with all sorts of creatures in all sorts of habitats in the US and around the world. From Alaska to the Galápagos Islands, from Alberta to Botswana and many points in-between, Lewin has had adventures that many would-be travelers could only dream about and maybe envy. He’s swum (albeit involuntarily) with a bull shark in the Florida Keys; witnessed garbage-foraging elephants (who are also Elvis fans) and meat-eating chimps in Uganda; ridden through an Indian jungle for a glimpse of a very rare Bengal tiger; been almost attacked by crazed raccoons in Georgia; and gotten to know a dung beetle probably more than was absolutely necessary. Through it all, he’s schlepped a 40-pouind backpack, while his camera and sketching supplies have never been far off. Good thing, too, Lewin’s typically wonderful drawings are here, along with on-site photographs. Some of his experiences are humorous, some terrifying, all are fascinating. The author’s straightforward writing style makes these journeys great read-alouds, too. Appended to each adventure are Author’s Notes that put habitats and creatures in context. Perfect for armchair travelers and animal lovers. (maps, glossary) (Nonfiction. 9-12)