<P>Do animals have mothers, too? Of course they do -- just like me and you!</P> <P>Meet the little joey, whose kangaroo mother carries him in her pouch. See the cygnet riding on the back of the mother swan. Eric Carle's colorful collages of animal babies with their caring and affectionate mothers offer small readers visual delight as well as comforting reassurance.</P> <P>The playful question-and-answer text invites children and adults to read aloud together. Repetition of key phrases helps preschoolers take the first step toward reading readiness. And the gamelike format makes it easy and fun to discover more about the world of nature and to learn the common names of some familiar -- and some not-so-familiar -- animals. A bonus page at the back of the book lists the correct but sometimes surprising names of animal babies, their parents, and groups.</P> <P>Eric Carle is the creator of many beloved picture books for very small children. Here he offers a beautiful way for parents and children to share the knowledge that love crosses all boundaries and ties all creatures on this earth together.</P>