The easy text and lush photographs show the similarities between art students, whether they are children or elephants. By the end of this astonishing book, you will be a believer; elephants really can create beautiful art. Part of the proceeds from the book and elephant art sold around the world goes to the Asian Elephant Art and Conservation Project -- learn more at www.elephantart.com .

10. LET'S TALK ABOUT RACE
By Julius Lester, Illustrated by Karen Barbour
Amistad/HarperCollins, $15.99; Ages 6 to 10; ISBN: 0060285982

Through the stories of our lives, we come to see people as people, not just as black or white, boy or girl, rich or poor. The author deftly takes us through the exercise of telling our story in non-judgmental ways, while the illustrator's exciting, colorful, detailed pictures excite the imagination. A lesson in understanding wrapped up in a package of imagination.

11. MARCH OF THE PENGUINS
By Luc Jacquet, Illustrated by Jerome Maison
National Geographic, $5.99 Paperback; Ages 4 to 8; ISBN: 0792261836

Breathtaking photographs tell the astonishing story of the life cycle of the Antarctic emperor penguin. They walk or slide night and day for 100 miles through sub-zero temperatures to get to the nesting ground where penguins mate and chicks hatch. An enchanting view into another world.

12. WHY?
By Lila Prap
Kane/Miller, $14.95; Ages 4 to 8; ISBN: 1929132808
Why can't all animal books be this much fun? Each double-page spread features a wild animal and asks a pertinent question about it. For example, "Why do lions have manes?" "So they aren't mistaken for cows" and other fanciful answers border the pages, and a factual explanation for each is given as well. Thick line drawings of colorful animals jump out of patterned spreads. A simply delightful way to explore some of the animal world's most mysterious questions.