The illustrations in this book are beautiful, and the story is unique. As a parent you do get tired of the same old story-style started with that darn Old Woman Who Swallowed a Fly. This is the same idea, but it is more about the realistic circle of life within a swamp, so using the same old format is forgivable in this circumstance. I found it unique and interesting, and that says something since I must have read every version of aforementioned Old woman out there.
Reading level: Ages 4-8
Page Count: 32 pages
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry (June 9, 2009)
What to expect: a beautiful depiction of the circle of life in a swamp, slightly scary to younger children possibly when the animals eat the other animals.
The rhythmic, cumulative story and rich, luminous paintings capture the bold beauty of nature. Take a short journey into one backyard and experience all the wonder of the living, breathing world around us.
About the Author: From her website : I’ve written over eighty books for children and young adults—picture books, poetry collections, and nonfiction. I also write young adult novels and compile anthologies of teenage writing from across the country and around the world. I particularly love to show how exciting, sassy, and creative math can be, and how wise, honest, and insightful teenagers can be. I live in Palo Alto, California, with my husband Douglas. We have three sons, James, Thomas, and Dave–two actor/writers and a sculptor/illustrator.
Our Rating: 4 out 5