From Publishers Weekly
In a starred review, PW praised the "stunning" spreads and "zippy" language of this peek at the life of a freshwater pond through the seasons; a Caldecott Honor book. Ages 2-6. Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Kirkus Reviews
In the same format and gorgeous illustrative style, a companion to In the Tall, Tall Grass (1991, Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor), with the succinct rhyming text (``waddle, wade, geese parade''), in bold black, beautifully integrated into art created in the process of making paper from pulp dyed in brilliant colors. This time, the child observer is Oriental; and where the first book moved from noon to night, the implicitly suggested cycle here is from tadpole and gosling to ``Chill breeze, winter freeze.'' Another perfect introduction to nature for the very young. (Picture book. 1-6) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Kirkus Reviews, pointer
* "[A] perfect introduction to nature for the very young."
Review
* "The animals and insects that live on and in frshwater pond wiggle, waddle, hover, swoop and swirl through the stunning spreads... Young children are introduced to the basic habits of common North American wildlife and the characteristics of chanigng seasons even as they are treated to an array of zipper verbs." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "Another truly stunning picture book from Fleming.... A perfect book for toddlers at story time." --School Library Journal, starred review
* "[A] perfect introduction to nature for the very young." - Kirkus Reviews, pointer
Review
* "The animals and insects that live on and in frshwater pond wiggle, waddle, hover, swoop and swirl through the stunning spreads... Young children are introduced to the basic habits of common North American wildlife and the characteristics of chanigng seasons even as they are treated to an array of zipper verbs." --Publishers Weekly, starred review
* "Another truly stunning picture book from Fleming.... A perfect book for toddlers at story time." --School Library Journal, starred review
* "[A] perfect introduction to nature for the very young." - Kirkus Reviews, pointer
Book Description
Denise Fleming's Caldecott Honor book gives young readers a frog's-eye view of life in a pond throughout the seasons.
Card catalog description
Illustrations and rhyming text describe the activities of animals living in and near a small pond as spring progresses to autumn.
About the Author
Denise Fleming has illustrated six other best-selling books for children. Ms. Fleming makes her home in Toledo, Ohio.
In the Small, Small Pond FROM OUR EDITORS
Following a frog in this colorful portrayal of the circle of life around a small pond. In the spring, the frog leaps into the water where "wiggle, jiggle, tadpoles wriggle." As the seasons pass, herons plunge, turtles doze, and minnows scatter. Finally, when snow starts to fall, the frog digs himself into the mud until the following spring. Fleming's vibrant art and energetic, rhyming text bring a toddler closer to the world of nature. Reader's will enjoy finding the frog in each picture.
ANNOTATION
Illustrations and rhyming text describe the activities of animals living in and near a small pond as spring progresses to autumn.
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Denise Fleming's Caldecott Honor book gives young readers a frog's-eye view of life in a pond throughout the seasons.
FROM THE CRITICS
Publishers Weekly
The backyard exploration begun with In the Tall, Tall Grass continues here with Fleming's latest picture-book peek at nature. The animals and insects that live on and in a freshwater pond wiggle, waddle, hover, swoop and swirl through the stunning spreads--and through the seasons of the year. Fish, frogs and fowl cavort first in the vibrant greens and yellows of spring and summer, then on through fiery autumn reds and oranges and, finally, amid barren browns and icy whites as winter sets in. Young children are introduced to the basic habits of common North American wildlife and to the characteristics of the changing seasons even as they are treated to an array of zippy verbs. Fleming's color-saturated handmade paper technique makes for dramatic tapestries that feature both sharp contrast and subtle shading. Scenes depicting clacking crawfish and parading geese are especially spirited. Ages 2-6. (Sept.)
Publishers Weekly
In a starred review, PW praised the "stunning" spreads and "zippy" language of this peek at the life of a freshwater pond through the seasons; a Caldecott Honor book. Ages 2-6. (Oct.)
Children's Literature - Mary Quattlebaum
I love Fleming's bold style which she achieves by pouring colored cotton pulp through hand-cut stencils. Her simple rhyming text accompanies illustrations that capture well the dynamic ecosystems of different environments. Creatures such as lunch-munching caterpillars and loop-swooping bats share space in this book as they do in the natural world.
Art & Photography
Book Info
