Find out why and how animals play and how playing can teach skills that can later help them survive.   Play can teach an animal how  to catch prey, avoid an enemy, find a mate, or make friends.  Discover what animals play with snowballs, go sleighing on their backs, dance, have boxing or wrestling matches, play  “it” or other social games, enjoy “toys,” or have fun playing in many other ways. Even though animals play because they enjoy the play activity, scientists now know that play can be extremely valuable in helping animals prepare for adult life.  Many colorful fun photos of animals at play!

 64 pages with glossary, for ages 8 to 12.