This is my friend Nancy Hicks Marshall ‘s latest book and I think it’s my favorite of her works so far. Through (sometimes embellished) true-life encounters between wildlife and a family of humans who regularly get away to a cabin in the woods, kids can learn about various Arizona wildlife and how to safely interact with them, or avoid them if that is the better path. The narration is by an Arizona Black Rattlesnake, so the reader gets an animal’s point of view. The wonderful illustrations by Lauren Sarantopulos are whimsical and yet realistic enough that a child will have no problem identifying the real critter if it crosses his path. For those who want to dig deeper, there are a glossary, a taxonomy chart and “Resources for the curious.” Available from nuggetpress.com for $13.95. Cindy Yurth, November, 2021
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