PreS-Gr 1-While Sloth sleeps, the other animals are busy. Cheetah is on a "treadmill, working on his speed"; Elephant lifts weights; Kangaroo bounces on a trampoline; and Monkey swings. They all cease their activities to inquire why Sloth is so lazy, and he cleverly turns things around by challenging Monkey to try to lift Elephant's weights. Monkey topples over, and suggests that Elephant try jumping like Kangaroo. After everyone fails at another creature's talent, Sloth points out that they all have something they do best, and for him, it's snoozing. Expressive animals rendered in soft tones fill each page. Although this cast of characters would not all be found "deep in the jungle" as suggested, the story still works. A message-driven, yet fun tale that can be used to spark discussion about individuality.-Melinda Piehler, Sawgrass Elementary School, Sunrise, FL Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.