How and why different animals play is an appealing topic for a nonfiction picture book about animals. Large, realistic artwork (it looks like watercolor and pencil) of the different animals in active poses - pouncing, swimming, tumbling - gives the book plenty of life. Each double-page-spread of primary text ("Many young animals ask first before playing") is followed by another with more detailed information about different types of animals. Back matter includes "more about the animals in this book" - a small picture and a whole paragraph each. The final page directs the reader to websites for more information (National Geographic, World Wildlife Fund, etc.). A good choice for storytime or an early grade school report. ( )