A collection of short poems illuminates the ways in which nature thrives and adapts to life in urban areas. Urban wildlife can be small and fierce, like two ant colonies battling one another on the sidewalk. It can be sprawling and colorful, like a community garden in a vacant lot. It is found in parks, backyards, and sidewalk cracks; on rooftops; under stairs; and in the branches of trees. It can be welcome (sunflowers and birds) or unwelcome (raccoons and mice). It is everywhere, and these poems quietly celebrate its presence amongst buildings, traffic, and humans. The short lines of the poems pack plenty of detail, and the large pages feature brightly colored digital illustrations. Additional “fun facts” about the wildlife mentioned in the poetry are included at the end. (Ages 3–8)

A poetic book highlighting everyday nature

The perfect blend of science and poetry, Hidden City demonstrates that nature can thrive anywhere, even in highly populated areas. In this graceful collection of poems, skyscrapers serve as perches for falcons, streetlights attract an insect buffet for hungry bats, and an overgrown urban lot offers shelter to both flora and fauna. Hidden City also includes engageing supplementary materials, which provide scientific information about the animals and plants featured in the book.

Coupled with beautiful collage illustrations, the poems in Hidden City offer readers the perfect reminder to notice and care about their environment.