Can we please have your attention? Sit up and listen carefully—an award ceremony is about to start! The awards go to many different animals from many different parts of the world.

They’re small and large, hairy, bristly, or feathered, and most importantly very skilful, smart, diligent, willing to cooperate, and relentless in producing high-quality things. Open this book and find out what kind of besties surround us or why people are so happy to be around them.