All the poems in this book are inspired by my own real-life experiences here in Florida. All of these wonderful animals, and many others, live here. Wherever you live, a lot of interesting animals live near you. There is a whole wide world to explore: beaches, mountains, zoos, parks, or your own back yard. So get out there and meet some animals for yourself! Have a wonderful time exploring the world around you, and observe animals wherever you go. Take a camera along to record and share your adventures. If you are curious about the animals meet, go online to learn more about them. You may be surprised to discover that some animals living near you are endangered. You can find out about ways to protect animals and their habitats. Always observe animals safely. Have fun!