Synopsis
Introduces the diverse places, animals, plants, and people of the Sunshine State, from the centuries-old homes and forts of Pensacola to the tiny Key deer that chew on ...
Leila Toledo - Children's Literature
The author presents the history, culture and natural science of her home state in a unique way. She starts her description in the northwest corner of the state and works her way down the western coastline around the tip of Florida and up the eastern coastline. At each location she informs us of the early history, comments on the early native people, Civil war battle sites, fortresses, and remaining plantations. She includes the wildlife, manatees, miniature deer, alligators, crocodiles, dolphins, sea turtles, pelicans, and flamingos; and we can't forget the wild roosters who roam the streets in Key West. When you add the diverse plants, i.e. mangroves, cypress, pine, oak trees, sawgrass and orchids to the mix you have a paradise of nature. The author has done a magnificent job of sharing her state with the reader. Also, the colorful illustrations give life to the presentation. 2004, Charlesbridge, Ages 9 to 12.