Still Water: The Wonders of Ponds, Pools, Wetlands, and More
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ISBN: 9780802856593
Eerdmans Books for Young Readers |
About the book: The vital ecosystems of ponds, puddles, swamps, and more in come alive in this gorgeously illustrated exploration of wetlands.
Human beings love babbling brooks and rushing rivers―but when we see water that stands still, we’ve historically called it unsafe, unhealthy, and even useless. Yet still water ecosystems like wetlands are teeming with life―and they’re critical to our planet’s survival. How? And why?
Still Water is a lushly illustrated journey through still water ecosystems, inviting readers to learn about their makeup, their inhabitants, their importance, and their future, including:
- Why are still water ecosystems misunderstood?
- How do they actually contribute to the health of our world?
- What are the important differences between wetland environments?
- Who lives in wetlands, and how do animals like frogs and birds adapt to them for survival?
- How do places like peat bogs fight climate change?
- How do invasive species affect the balance of an ecosystem?
- What do we need to know about the future of ponds and wetlands?
Translated from Italian by Batchelder Award winner Sylvia Notini, Still Water includes helpful backmatter with a glossary of terms and a link to the creators’ bibliography. This browsable nonfiction book is ideal for field trips to natural history museums and local ponds, as well as celebrations of Earth Day, World Wetlands Day, and World Wildlife Day. Part of Eerdmans’ Spectacular STEAM for Curious Readers series.
My thoughts: Living a lifetime in the beautiful very green state of North Carolina, I have enjoyed time along the Atlantic Ocean Coastline of North Carolina, the piedmont and "sand hills" areas sandwiched between the Atlantic Ocean and the beautiful Blue Ridge and Smokey Mountains. And all across this varied land that is North Carolina there is a grand abundance of water. The majestic Ocean, briney marshes, teaming rivers emptying into the Ocean, ponds and lakes, streams, back creeks, and swamps. Fly across the land and you will see ponds and lakes glistening as they dot with abundance the green landscapes.
So how does all that about North Carolina relate to this delightful children's picture book - Still Water?
With a quick look through the book, I am drawn to the stunning illustrations. Plenteous use of ink drawings and watercolor-wash captivate the stunning beauty of the wild and lucious world that abounds around water areas. Be sure you sit and gaze awhile at these drawings.
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| Cat Tail Plant* |
The text is not aimed at the young child's comprehension, though the parent can still read and teach using this book for them. I see the book as one for elementary and younger middle grade reading comprehension. Great for a school room and school library. Super great for homes, too.
Some of the diverse insects, aquatic life (insects, mollusks, fish), and animals are illustrated and defined showing how some are "invasive" and which are native to specific areas. Though not extensive in explanation, the idea of native versus invasive species is clearly explained. This is true of plant life in and around wetlands.
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| Carnivorous Pitcher Plant (NC)* |
Again back to North Carolina, I recall seeing "Cat tails" growing in abundance along the wet ditches along the highways. Also, I attended a Girl Scout Camp (Camp Pretty Pond - closed now) that was situated on a lovely pond (lots of plant life along the edges). Growing in the general area (we had to take a hike to find them) are plants native and peculiar to that region of the World - The Venus Fly Trap and the Pitcher Plant. Much of that area of North Carolina has been built upon for homes, estates, and golf clubs. The "bubbling spring" I saw was a natural spring continuously bubbling just above ground.
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| Carnivorous Venus Fly Trap (with insect)* |
I recommend this lovely book for the perusal, enjoyment, and education of school children and adults alike.
DISCLOSURE: I received a complimentary copy from the publisher to facilitate a review. Opinions are mine, alone and are freely given. *NOTE: The pictures of NC plants: Venus Fly Trap, Pitcher Plant, and Cat Tails are not in the book. I borrowed them from the internet to show you some of the hidden lovelies in NC.
