Animal poems (and images) can be twee or condescending. Not here. The beasts in this bestiary are not auditioning to become humans. They remain beguilingly themselves. When these very capable young writers turn their imaginative and descriptive gifts to large subjects such as Freedom and Joy, they do so evocatively and with empathetic precision. Their astute and affectionate musings on family life and relations, we can all relate to. The artwork is a delight throughout this truly terrific book.