Furry head pops up ... Beady eyes blink ... Meet the prairie dog! Brimming with vivid photos and scientific facts, this middle-grade nonfiction book treats researchers and wild animal lovers to a comprehensive profile of these burrowing mammals. It covers zoology topics such as anatomy, diet, habitat, and life cycle, as well as species conservation efforts and the animals' relationship with humans throughout history. Sidebars, a range map, and a glossary support the main text, while a Southwestern folktale about the rodent adds a cross-curricular cultural layer to the title.