Into the Woods

Children's Literature - Meredith Kiger

Billed as a "scrapbook." this 3l-page book contains nature facts, Indian folktales and traditional woods-lore on many subjects. Beavers, coyotes, porcupines, conifers, and oaks are some of the subjects discussed. True-to-life illustrations accompany each subject area in this well-done and attractive book. A nice gift for the outdoors lover.

School Library Journal

PreS-Gr 2This charming picture book introduces a variety of nature facts and lore in a clear and lively manner. Text and illustrations are mixed together in a scrapbook approach to provide insight into forest flora and fauna. Topics are covered in one or two pages. For example, a page on deer has two illustrations and a couple of brief facts about antlers and camouflage. A double-page spread about "Animal Tracks" suggests where to look for the prints of certain creatures and provides examples of a variety of different prints. Also included are three brief Native American legends pertaining to woodland creatures and a section about weather lore. Although the information is not in-depth, this makes a wonderful browsing book and the enchanting, realistic, watercolor illustrations are irresistible.Melissa Hudak, North Suburban District Library, Roscoe, IL

Kirkus Reviews

A personal nature diary from Krupinski (Bluewater Journal, 1995, etc.) that includes drawings of familiar woodland plants and animals, as well as nature lore, folk tales, and observations, all in brown typeface that resembles hand- lettering. The overall effect is a charming clutter that does not always distinguish between superstition and science: "When the woolly bear caterpillar is more black than brown, the winter will be worse. However, brown at both ends means a mild winter." There are few warnings, e.g., when she mentions that "the shape of a snake's head is sometimes used to identify whether it is poisonous or not," she does not tell readers that if they are close enough to observe the shape of a snake's head, they may already be too close for safety. The lilac fairy (as part of an explanation of fairy rings) may be too cute for some naturalists, but others will find Krupinski's delicate approach an airy, refreshing alternative to more exacting accounts. A walk in the woods, touched by whimsy.