The Welcome books are a creative blend of poetry and science. Difficult and unfamiliar words are offered in an unthreatening manner, within an intermittent rhythmic pulse that should make the language inherently appealing to young children. Welcome to the Green House, in particular, is filled with phrases that encourage the reader to hoot and howl, such as the "a-hoo, a-hoo, a-hoo of the howler troop" and the "kre-ek, kre-ek, kre-ek of keel-billed toucans." Amidst such revelry of sound, terms (and creatures) like capuchin and sloth, kinkajous and ocelot find comfortable context both textually and visually. Also, each book ends with a single page of prose about the subject (after a long visual pause), including a contact address for more information. It is unusual to see such a carefully wrought balance between artistic expression and informational education in a children's picture book; Yolen and Regan (and their book designers) are to be applauded for these attractive and intriguing introductions to place.