Using the framework of the Spanish alphabet, this bilingual nonfiction book introduces readers to a cloud forest in the Andes; the plants, animals, and other organisms found there; and the newly-identified olinguito, a South American mammal. Alto, allá arriba en los Andes brilla un bosque bordado de bromelias... High up in the Andes blooms a brilliant forest embroidered with bromeliads ... With lyrical text in both Spanish and English, we travel to the magical world of a cloud forest in the Andes of Ecuador. We discover the bounty of plants, animals, and other organisms that live there as we help a zoologist look for the elusive olinguito, the first new mammal species identified in the Americas since 1978. Not your usual ABC book, the alphabet is an organizing feature to introduce children to rich vocabulary as they learn about a unique environment. Thoroughly researched and exquisitely illustrated with colorful, realistic images, the book is a visual delight while it provides a wealth of information. Backmatter includes articles about cloud forests and the discovery of the olinguito in 2013, and an extensive glossary with the scientific names of the species pictured. This is a unique book to treasure on many levels. Gr 1–4—Delacre uses a creative A–Z format to write a description in verse of a cloud forest, or a moist ecosystem found in tropical areas, in the Andes. The author mentions different animals or plants located here; each page features foliage or creatures related to a different letter of the alphabet. The text is lyrical, and the mixed-media illustrations are vibrant and striking. This book would make a wonderful resource for students who are learning about forest environments or different animal species. Further information about the cloud forest, with an animal and foliage glossary, is appended. VERDICT A great addition to school and public libraries.—Melissa Martinez, Pantoja Charter School, PA ★ "Poetic and informative, a breath of fresh air..." - Kirkus Reviews , starred review ★ "A rich and layered trip to the Andean cloud forest that revels in the miracles of biodiversity." - PW , starred review ★ "Vibrant and striking." - SLJ , starred review ★ "Executed with uncommon skill." - Booklist , starred review "...splendid, more-than-an-alphabet book." -Washington Post Book of the Month A Junior Library Guild Selection NCTE Orbis Pictus Honor Book Kirkus Best Books Washington Post Best Books New York Public Libraries Best Books Kojo Nnamdi Show's Winter Reading List BookLinks Lasting Connections Capitol Choices Nominee ALSC Summer Reading List ALSC Notables Nominee Hornbook Summer Reading List National Aquarium Read to Reef List Lulu Delacre , three-time Pura Belpré Award honoree and winner of an Orbis Pictus Honor, is the illustrator of numerous award-winning books, several of which she also wrote or compiled. Her books include fiction and nonfiction and range from picture books to young adult titles. Delacre was born and grew up in Puerto Rico, where she loved to draw pictures, enjoy nature, and partake of the culture and traditions of her native island. Her experiences there are the inspiration for many of her works. Delacre and her husband live in Washington, DC. Learn more about luludelacre.com. Lulu Delacre , three-time Pura Belpré Award honoree and winner of an Orbis Pictus Honor, is the illustrator of numerous award-winning books, several of which she also wrote or compiled. Her books include fiction and nonfiction and range from picture books to young adult titles. Delacre was born and grew up in Puerto Rico, where she loved to draw pictures, enjoy nature, and partake of the culture and traditions of her native island. Her experiences there are the inspiration for many of her works. Delacre and her husband live in Washington, DC. Learn more about luludelacre.com.