In the Tall, Tall Grass

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

Singling out the ``array of vibrant verbs and boisterous onomatopeia'' and the ``kaleidoscope effect'' of the textured paper collages, PW called Caldecott Honor artist Fleming's caterpillar safari ``ideal for sharing with young explorers.'' Ages 2-6. (Mar.)

Children's Literature - Marilyn Courtot

Rhyming action words and bright bold artwork give a toddler's view of the animals seen in the grass. In addition to the delightful yet simple text, the introduction of the animals and insects follows the passage of time from day to evening. 1995 (orig.

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.

School Library Journal

PreS-K-- Bold, bright, stylized collage illustrations capture the eye and the imagination as they depict the simple, rhyming text of this outstanding nature tale. From a caterpillar's point-of-view, children see the many happenings in the tall, tall grass: ``crunch, munch, caterpillars lunch/dart, dip, hummingbirds sip'' etc. Bees and birds, ants and snakes are among the daytime inhabitants. Then, with the ``stars bright, moonlight'' come nocturnal fireflies and bats: ``good night, tall, tall grass.'' The childlike illustrations were created by pouring colored cotton pulp through hand-cut stencils, resulting in remarkable images. Colors--shaded and varied--range full spectrum, deep and true through sunny yellow, cobalt, plum, a dozen shades of green. On each double page appears the blue-eyed, yellow-with-orange-spots caterpillar, always in proper perspective to the other creatures. Two-year-olds (and even younger) will enjoy the rhyme and rhythm, three-year-olds exploring numbers will love counting insects, four-year-olds--who are sure they can ``read''--will experience success after a few listenings, and adults won't mind the request, ``Read it again, please.'' A real charmer. --Virginia Opocensky, formerly at Lincoln City Libraries, NB

From the Publisher

"Charming."—The Horn Book, starred review

"A terrific story-hour book. As day turns to night, a caterpillar crunches and munches his way through the tall, tall grass.... Besides a treat for eyes and ears, this can be used as an introductory nature lesson." —Booklist, starred review