A young girl observes nature as she hikes with her parents on a camping trip. “A hollow is a hideout for a squirrel. / A blossom is a bowl for dew.” Although the rhyming text is down to earth, the inconsistent art becomes surreal in the last few spreads as the girl, dreaming, floats into the atmosphere as the moon rises in the sky.
— Horn Book Magazine (January/June 2006)
In this flip-over book, animals are shown during day, or – flip the book – nighttime activities. Each page features a number from one to ten, with that many animals on the page (e.g., for daytime numbers two, two porcupines sleep in a tree that two bears climb). Minimal singsongy rhyming text accompanies the realistically portrayed creatures.
— Horn Book Magazine (January/June 2006)
How we Know What we Know About Our Changing Climate
Front and center in this excellent book are the data upon which explanations for rapid climate change are built. Each double-page spread in the first two-thirds of the book features a research project revealing changes in ecosystems – in the behaviors of butterflies and penguins, in the sizes of glaciers and sea levels, and in the amounts of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. The carefully built progression of cases-just a small sampling of the vast amount of data out there-drives home the message that change really is occurring, and that the rate of change is accelerating. A highlight of the book (and a hallmark of this field) is that data are being collected not just by scientists but also by naturalists, children, and other concerned citizens. Illustrations include sharp color photographs of researchers and children in the field and laboratories as well as age-appropriate graphs and tables that transform basic observations into evidence. A strong underlying message is that committed readers can make a difference; the last section of the book and the end materials include an index, an exhaustive list of resources, a directory of scientists, encouragement for readers to get involved in both science and conservation, and suggestions for making a difference that are laudably nontrivial.
— Horn Book Magazine (Sept/Oct 2008)
A mother imagines how she would treat her child if she was a wild animal, such as a squirrel, otter, possum, or bison. The descriptions of each mother animal’s behavior is succinct – long enough to be clear and short enough to provoke discussion about the motivation and circumstances prompting the behavior. Pleasant illustrations accompany the text.
— The Horn Book Guide (January – June 2006)
Softly glowing watercolors illustrate this gentle story about a young moose who journeys from his home and becomes lost in a town. Geese flying overhead lead him back toward home, where he hears the voice of the earth calling him. Brief endnotes share nature facts as well as a message about the importance of listening to the quiet voice of life. The environmental theme is seamlessly woven into the realistic story.
— The Horn Book Guide
Over in the Arctic: Where the Cold Winds Blow
Following the pattern of the traditional “Over in the Meadow,” this version takes the tune to the Arctic, with pleasing cut-paper art showing animals such as the hare, polar bear, snowy owl, beluga, and wolverine. . . . the book has child appeal. Facts, activities, and music are appended. Reading list, websites.
— The Horn Book Guide (February 2011)
Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef
Fresh lyrics using sea life are applied to the children’s tune “Over in the Meadow” on these stunningly illustrated pages. From one octopus to ten seahorses the creatures “squirt,” “dart,” and “flutter” around their parents. The art in the book is made with polymer clay. Tips for using the book with children, information about the marine animals, and music are included. Easy Reader 2004, Dawn, 32pp, 16.95, 8.95. Ages 5 to 9. Rating: 3: Recommended, satisfactory in style, content, and/or illustration
— The Horn Book Guide (Spring 2005)
Over in the Jungle: A Rainforest Rhyme
Modeled on the song “Over in the Meadow,” this companion to Over in the Ocean: In a Coral Reef introduces children to rainforests’ environment and their animal life. Some of the rhymes are decidedly forced, but the illustrations, created from a variety of colors, textures, and shapes of polymer clay, are eye-catchingly unique. Musical arrangement and information about rainforests are included.
— The Horn Book Guide (February 2011)
